trek electric bike reviews 2022

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Review: Trek FX+ 2

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If you come to me and say, “I’ve never ridden an electric bike before,” I am probably going to take a few factors into consideration. The first is safety. If you’ve never built a bike, I’m probably not going to recommend a mail-order one you have to assemble yourself. You don’t want to discover that you've failed to tighten a screw when you’re going 20 miles per hour down a hill.

You also probably want a bike that’s reasonably priced, comfortable, and convenient to ride. In fact, you might want one that’s as close to your first human-powered bike as possible. Trek’s FX+ 2 hits all the sweet spots. It’s made by a reputable manufacturer with a wide retailer network. The reasonable base price includes all the commuter components, like integrated lights and fenders. Most importantly, it’s light and maneuverable.

It’s not a 65-pound “starter” ebike that will crush you if you stop on a hill or forget to charge the battery. Nor is it a smart bike that makes you spend 20 minutes walking through an app before you can ride it. I've been testing ebikes at home for years, and this is the first one my 60-year-old dad has felt comfortable grabbing and using to chase after my kids. “Sometimes I don’t even turn it on,” he remarked the other day. That’s the whole point.

The FX+ 2 comes in two configurations and three different sizes. The default model has a regular step-over top tube, and the FX+ 2 Stagger has a step-through top tube. Both come in a variety of colors and have small, medium, and large sizes. I’m 5'2" and the small-size Stagger fits me well. However, if you’re smaller than 5 feet, you might want to look at a different bike.

The cables, battery, and motor are inside the frame. The only clue the FX+ 2 Stagger is an ebike at all is a small unit with only three buttons on it: a power button, and plus and minus symbols. When you turn on the bike, its lights turn on, and two light meters show how much battery you have left and what level of pedal assistance you have toggled on.

That’s it. There’s no bright LCD display and no throttle. This might seem like a downside, but I use my electric bike for commuting and running errands. When I lock it up on a rack, it gives me peace of mind to know that no one’s going to spot a lone ebike in the wild and immediately try to steal it (or the battery).

I also appreciate the clarity in the controls. I’ve tried other electric bikes with a one-button toggle, but I could never remember how many times to press the button to toggle the level of assist, or what light indicated how much battery I had left.

The FX+ 2 has a 250-watt Hydrive rear hub motor, which is the European standard. That might seem slightly underpowered to Americans looking to power up huge hills, but the bike is so light and maneuverable that having a smaller motor doesn’t matter much at all. The medium frame size weighs 40 pounds—almost 30 pounds lighter than my own Tern GSD S00.

Not only is it easy to scootch up hills, it’s also easy to maneuver onto crowded bike racks when I’m out, or to lift onto our hanging bike rack in my garage. Also, for the past two weeks, it’s the first bike both my dad and I have grabbed to run errands around the neighborhood. The stated range is 35 miles, but we’ve put at least 10 miles on it by now, and the battery seems largely untouched. The fast 45c road tires didn’t hurt, either.

It does lack a few features we're used to seeing on higher-end ebikes by now, like a low-maintenance carbon belt drive or a continuously variable shifter. Instead, it has a regular bike chain on a nine-speed Shimano shifting system, with a derailleur that, yes, you may have to adjust occasionally.

But honestly, this was more than fine by me. I didn’t have to learn a new shifting system or figure out how to calibrate the gearing with the assist levels. I wasn’t riding a bike that was trying to predict how much assist I’d need and when—I could simply toggle on more or less as I rode. In that way, it felt much easier and more natural. 

It also has a lot of accessories that may be equally important, especially as the weather here in Oregon has grown cold, gray, and wet in the past few weeks. The 120-lumen headlamp is incredibly bright. The bell is incredibly loud. The fenders have kept my jeans relatively dry, and I’ve been able to bungee items onto the rear rack. A kickstand keeps it up in the garage for quick access, and hydraulic disc brakes work even when the rain is pouring down.

The price point may seem high compared to direct-to-consumer bikes from Aventon, Lectric, or Rad Power. But once you start adding up the cost of quality components, labor, and accessories, their prices start inching up. Mail-order companies are able to offer much lower prices on base models because their motors are cheaper. With a nicer motor, a mail-order bike like the Ride1Up Prodigy is priced comparably to the FX+ 2, and you have to assemble and safety-check it yourself.

Over the years, I’ve seen bicycle manufacturers debate and then struggle to add or subtract features that will make electric bikes more attractive to people who haven’t biked before. Extremely low step-throughs! Weird shifting systems! Apps! Huge tires! Maybe the best way to get people on an electric bike is the same way you get people on a regular bike—by making it fun, light, and easy to ride.

Trek Rail Review | A plush, powerful & frustratingly near-perfect electric mountain bike

The not-so-minor details.

Trek Rail 9.8 XT

https://www.trekbikes.com

From $7,499 AUD ($12,499 AUD as tested)

- Incredible suspension performance - Hugely confidence-inspiring ride quality - Powerful & intuitive Bosch Smart System - Big battery offers big range potential - Powerful brakes - Solid wheels & tyres

- Battery mount failure - Longer wheelbase has reduced agility - Seat angle could be steeper - Limited size range

Justin & Dan review the Trek Rail

Since it was introduced back in 2019, the Trek Rail has joined the likes of the Specialized Levo, Merida eOne-Sixty and Norco Sight VLT as one of the stalwarts of the Aussie e-MTB scene. Available in alloy and carbon across a wide range of price points, and powered by the excellent Bosch Performance Line CX motor, the Rail has grown to become a very popular electric mountain bike.

We last reviewed a carbon Trek Rail 9.8 in 2019 and an alloy Trek Rail 9 in 2021 . Though they weren’t perfect, we were mighty impressed by the quality of the suspension and the balanced handling. Trek has since updated the Rail lineup, incorporating a suite of improvements that are designed to take its technical prowess to a whole new level. To see how all the changes play out on the trail, we got our hands on this shiny Trail Rail 9.8 XT to put through the wringer.

Watch our Trek Rail video review here:

For a full-powered e-MTB with dual 29in wheels, the Rail is arguably one of the best-handling bikes in its category.

An overview of the Trek Rail

Designed to cover everything from backcountry trail riding through to e-Enduro racing, the Trek Rail features a 160mm travel fork and 150mm of rear wheel travel. It comes fitted with 29in wheels, though by flipping the Mino Link into the High position, Trek says you can run the Rail as a mullet with a 27.5in rear wheel.

As with almost every Trek full suspension mountain bike, the Rail is built around the ABP four-bar suspension platform. The most rearward pivot is concentric to the thru-axle, which Trek says helps to decouple braking forces from the suspension.

The top models are equipped with a custom RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3 shock. Codeveloped between RockShox and Trek, this fancy shock features the unique Thru Shaft damper design, and as we’ll discuss shortly, is a big contributor to the Rail’s overall ride quality.

Frame & geometry updates

While the alloy frame remains unchanged, the Trek Rail’s carbon frame has been beefed up significantly.

The seat tube has swollen to a 34.9mm diameter, increasing chassis strength and allowing you to fit a modern long-stroke dropper post. Trek has also adopted the new 1.8in head tube standard to bolster front-end stiffness, while improving the proportions with big travel forks like the RockShox Zeb and Fox 38.

Also new is the Knock Block 2.0 headset. The steering limiter still prevents the handlebar controls from smacking into the frame, but a larger turning radius means it’s entirely unnoticeable on the trail.

Along with the beefier frame, Trek has also updated the Rail’s geometry. The most significant change is the seat tube angle, which steepens by almost two degrees to 76.7°. The reach has increased, growing by 12-22mm depending on the frame size, and the head angle is also a hair slacker at 64.2° in the Low geometry setting.

One number that hasn’t changed is the 448mm rear centre length, which is about as short as you’ll find for a 29er fitted with a Bosch motor. In comparison, the Scott Patron gets a 454mm rear centre, while the Avanti Hammer-E LT comes in at 462mm.

Bosch smarts

The latest carbon Trek Rail also updates to the Bosch Smart System. The tidy Kiox 300 display is tucked out of the way behind the headset, while the LED controller sits next to the left-hand grip.

Powering the Rail is the Bosch Performance Line CX motor and a 750Wh PowerTube battery. You can charge the battery in situ, or it can be easily removed from the frame with a key for charging separately.

Compared to previous generation Bosch systems, the latest Smart System provides you with far greater functionality and the option to tune the motor. If you’re curious to learn more about its full potential, check out our Bosch Tuning Tips article for everything you need to know.

Trek Rail price & specs

There are five models in the current Trek Rail lineup; two with alloy frames and three with carbon frames.

Prices kick off at $7,499 AUD for the Trek Rail 5, which is pretty good for a Bosch-equipped bike. However, it’s worth noting that the alloy models do carry over the previous generation frame, which uses a smaller 500Wh or 625Wh battery along with an older display and controller.

On the other side of the price spectrum is the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR, which sells for $15,999 AUD. This model is also available to customise through the Project One bike builder, for those who want something a little different to the norm.

As blingy as the 9.9 model is, we’re not particularly interested in the additional electronic gizmos it comes with. Instead we requested the Trek Rail 9.8 XT to review, as we think this is the bike that more people are likely to purchase. Despite selling for $3,500 less, it still features the same carbon frame, rear shock and Bosch Smart System as the 9.9 model, albeit with a more practical parts spec.

What about the 2023 Trek Rail?

It’s worth acknowledging that since receiving our 2022 test bike, Trek has quietly introduced some updates for the 2023 iteration of the Rail.

These changes are predominantly based around the user interface, with the alloy Rails updating to the Bosch Smart System with the LED controller and Kiox 300 display. The carbon Rails will then come with the newer Mini Remote and System Controller. Otherwise the frames, motors, batteries, and the majority of the component spec will be identical between the 2022 and 2023 models.

For those eager to wait for a 2023 Trek Rail model, we’ve been informed that stock will begin arriving in Australia in April.

2022 Trek Rail 9.8 XT

• Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon, ABP Suspension Design, 150mm Travel
• Fork | RockShox Zeb Select+, Charger 2.1 RC Damper, 44mm Offset, 160mm Travel
• Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RT3, 230×57.5mm
• Drive Unit | Bosch Performance Line CX, 85Nm
• Battery | Bosch PowerTube 750Wh
• Wheels | Bontrager Line Comp, 30mm Inner Width
• Tyres | Bontrager SE6 Team Issue 2.5in Front & SE5 Team Issue 2.5in Rear
• Drivetrain | Shimano XT 1×12 w/e*13 Plus 34T Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
• Brakes | Shimano XT 4-Piston w/203mm Rotors
• Bar | Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon, 27.5mm Rise, 780mm Width
• Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, Knock Block, 45mm Length
• Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Comp Lock-On
• Seatpost | Bontrager Line Elite, Travel: 150mm (M), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
• Saddle | Bontrager Arvada
• Confirmed Weight | 23.94kg
• RRP | $12,499 AUD

Testing the Trek Rail

In addition to testing the Trek Rail 9.8 XT on our home trails, this bike has accompanied us along some bigger alpine missions up at Mt Buller in Victoria’s High Country.

Buller has proven to be a terrific environment for a big and burly e-MTB like the Rail, with plenty of entertaining options for gaining elevation and some brilliant purpose-built descents to enjoy on the way back down. Tying it all together are epic views of the surrounding mountains, making this one of our favourite destinations to explore over the summer months.

To give it a proper workout, we took the Rail on a smorgasbord of backcountry singletrack around Buller including the recently refurbished Delatite River Trail, Clancy’s and the absolutely brilliant Stonefly. We also used the Rail to rack up plenty of self-shuttled laps of the gravity trails, including Outlaw and the classic ABOM.

Trek Rail sizing & fit

While models like the Slash and Fuel EX are known for being offered in a huge range of sizes, the carbon Trek Rail models are currently only available in Medium, Large and X-Large sizes in Australia. We’re told that a Small will be arriving later this year, which will come fitted with a 625Wh battery to fit inside its shorter downtube. In the meantime, those after a Small will need to look towards the alloy Rail.

To suit the height of Dan (183cm) and Justin (180cm), we’ve been testing a Large. Compared to the previous model the reach has grown from 465mm to 487mm, which is a significant jump. The steeper seat angle does help to position the rider more centrally within the cockpit, though we reckon it could be a lick steeper since the effective top tube length on this bike is very long.

This presented more of an issue for Dan, who has shorter arms and prefers a more upright climbing position. To suit his proportions and riding style, Dan slid the saddle all the way forwards on the rails to steepen the effective seat angle and shorten the distance to the grips. Justin on the other hand had no such issues with the saddle in the middle of its adjustment range, and found the cockpit to be perfectly comfortable out of the box.

The takeaway from our experience? We’d recommend that anyone on the border between two sizes take a closer look at the geometry chart, as you may want to size down rather than up.

Even with the saddle shunted forwards, the Rail doesn’t suffer from a front-heavy riding position. That’s because the stack height is quite generous, coming in slightly taller than the old model. Combined with the well-proportioned bars, amenable grips and saddle, we’ve found it to be a comfortable bike during long exploratory missions out in the hills.

Suspension setup

Setting up the Rail’s suspension is made easy thanks to Trek’s online calculator , which is a fantastic tool for getting you started with air pressures and rebound settings.

For Justin (85kg), the suggested settings proved to work well right off the bat. In comparison, Dan (83kg) made use of the recommended air pressures but trended towards a faster rebound setting to suit his more aggressive riding style.

There’s plenty of adjustment available with both the Zeb fork and Super Deluxe RT3 shock, which allows you to tweak the damping to suit different trail conditions. In particular, the 3-position compression dial on the rear shock makes a notable change to rear end grip and support, so we’d recommend experimenting with all three settings.

Once set up to preference, we didn’t need to touch the suspension at all throughout the test period. Bigger riders or those who are particularly heavy on their landings may want to fit an extra volume spacer in the rear shock to increase bottom-out support, but the stock setup will likely work well for most.

Trek Rail weight

Without pedals and with the tyres setup tubeless, our Trek Rail 9.8 XT test bike came in at 23.94kg.

That’s a little heavier than claimed, though it’s a reasonable figure for a big travel e-MTB with a 750Wh battery. If you’re particularly concerned about weight, you might want to look towards the mid-powered Trek Fuel EXe , which is over 5kg lighter.

Although the Bontrager SE6 and SE5 tyres use reinforced Core Strength casings, at just over a kilo each they’re significantly lighter than a full-blown DH tyre. Factoring in the abuse we’d likely be dishing out on the Rail, we fitted a CushCore Pro insert into the rear wheel to help ward off potential punctures and rim damage. Tyre pressures were set between 21-24psi up front, and 24-26psi out back.

What do we dig about the Trek Rail?

As with previous models, we’ve been consistently impressed by the outstanding suspension performance on the new Trek Rail. This bike is beautifully balanced, offering great small-bump sensitivity while still delivering heaps of support. Along with the powerful brakes, aggressive tyres and long wheelbase, you can ride this bike bloody hard on some very rowdy terrain.

It has to be said that the Zeb is a perfect match for a burly bike like the Rail. An e-MTB is inherently more difficult to correct if you push it slightly off-line, with the added weight compounding any mistakes. The Zeb’s stiff 38mm chassis helps to keep the front wheel tracking where you want it, while the sensitive action soaks up off-camber impacts, maximising ground contact for increased grip.

It’s a similar story out back with the custom Super Deluxe shock. Trek says the IFP-less design of the Thru Shaft damper reduces the ‘stick-slip’ effect when the shock is rapidly changing direction between compression and rebound, resulting in smoother and more responsive operation. Given how supple it is back there, it’s hard to argue with that claim.

Combined with the trunnion bearing mount and ABP linkage, the Rail delivers incredible sensitivity across a wide range of impacts and riding speeds. Traction and compliance are superb, with the shock recovering well on rapid-fire impacts. We never fully bottomed out the rear suspension, while the mid-stroke support means the Rail has surprisingly good pep on flowier jump trails. The fact that it ‘only’ has 150mm of rear travel means it doesn’t totally numb the trails like a longer travel e-MTB would.

Stout frame & responsive handling

Enhancing the Rail’s enthusiastic on-trail demeanour is its stiff carbon frame, which feels noticeably sturdier and more responsive than previous iterations. Paired to the Zeb up front, the handling is direct and surefooted.

Much like the Canyon Spectral:ON , that chassis stiffness never results in untoward harshness. Indeed the supple suspension, high volume tyres and alloy rims ensure the Rail contours the terrain rather than pin-balling you around.

The short rear end also contributes to the responsive handling, helping to make the Rail feel manageable despite its heft. While a longer rear centre can improve high-speed stability, it tends to make the bike more sluggish and harder to leave the ground. Trek has avoided that sensation with the Rail, with its short chainstays providing a welcome dose of agility. It rips corners confidently, and thanks to the supportive suspension, it’s also more than happy to take to the air.

Bosch power & control

Along with its supple suspension and sturdy chassis, the Bosch Performance CX Line motor is another key component to the Trek Rail’s all-round performance. In our experience, this is the best full-powered motor out there.

Set to the adaptive eMTB mode, power delivery is responsive and intuitive. There’s plenty of low-range torque on tap, and the overrun feature means power continues to be applied even if you need to briefly coast over roots and rock ledges on a technical climb.

It’s particularly advantageous for larger-sized riders, with the Bosch motor providing masses of support and powerful acceleration. For lighter riders, bumping the assistance mode down to Tour+ will still provide that intuitively adaptive power output, albeit with a less abrasive punch and a milder overrun.

If you’re willing to make use of the lower powered settings, it’s possible to eke out some serious mileage. Indeed with the big 750Wh battery, you’re unlikely to experience any range anxiety with the Rail. This bike offers proper long-range potential, making it a fantastic option for huge e-MTB adventures out in the mountains.

While it will happily cruise along, the Rail also enjoys climbing fast and aggressively. Despite not having enormous chainstays, it’s still very calm and composed on steeper gradients. There’s little wander from the front wheel, with the long wheelbase and active suspension keeping the whole bike glued to the ground.

We didn’t encounter an excessive number of pedal strikes, though switching the shock’s compression dial into the firmer position does lift the ride height noticeably. Furthermore, flipping the Mino Link into the High position will garner you an additional 5mm of pedal clearance, while sharpening the seat angle and shifting more weight onto the front wheel. This will be useful for more active riders, and those who are scaling chunky climbs and eroded gullies.

The only real limiting factor on the climbs is the rear tyre, which didn’t have as much bite as we wanted. The tread profile is a little too shallow, and it lacked grip when the conditions were wet. We’d consider fitting an SE6 on the rear, which would offer more predictable traction on loose and slippery terrain.

What don’t we like?

As with the previous Trek Rail 9 we tested, we encountered a few annoying issues with our Rail 9.8 XT.

Most disconcerting was the battery rattling around in the frame. After a dozen or so rides we noticed a heavy clunking sensation on the descents that felt a bit like a poorly-adjusted headset. This turned out to be from the upper battery mount, which had come loose from where it bolts into the downtube. While the battery was still able to provide power to the motor, it meant the whole assembly was rattling around inside the frame. Not ideal.

This is of course a disappointing experience to have on a bike costing over $12K.

Our local Trek dealer put in a warranty claim, and within a couple of days we received a solution. This comprised of a small metal bracket that sits on the outside of the downtube, with two bolts passing through it to secure the internal battery mount to the frame. The bracket did the job, and has eliminated the clunking sensation on the descents.

This is of course a disappointing experience to have on a bike costing over $12K. Having to spoken to other Trek dealers, it appears that we’re not the only ones to have encountered this issue, which leaves us wondering why bikes are being sold without the bracket in the first place.

Even after the fix, the Rail hasn’t been totally quiet. The Bosch motor exhibits the usual clacking noise on the descents, though we found it pretty easy to ignore after the first few rides. One of the Mino Link bolts and the main pivot came loose partway through testing, which required some fresh Loctite and a torque wrench to keep them snug. The rear thru-axle has also come loose on two occasions, so we’d recommend checking it regularly to make sure it remains nice and tight.

It can be a bit of a tank

While the Trek Rail is a mostly well-balanced bike, it has to be said that riding across flatter and more mellow terrain is not its raison d’etre. Its long wheelbase and overall heft can make it a handful on tight and flat turns, which require some muscling to negotiate.

The short chainstays mean it isn’t a total barge, but compared to the previous version it does require a more forward-biased riding position. This sees it rewarding a more active and assertive rider, especially when you’re threading the front wheel through twistier singletrack.

For smaller folks and those who are newer to the sport however, the Rail can feel like a bit of a tank. If you’re looking for a less brutish riding experience, you might want to consider the lighter and lower-powered Fuel EXe or perhaps even an alloy Rail that features less stretched-out geometry.

Now while it is a lot of bike to manage, we should point out that for a full-powered e-MTB with dual 29in wheels, the Rail is arguably one of the best-handling bikes in its category. It’s certainly far more fun and involving to ride than the Scott Patron , despite being more capable overall.

It is less agile than the Specialized Levo however, which shares the same amount of travel but packages it into a dedicated mullet platform with a 27.5in rear wheel. Of course it is possible to fit a 27.5in wheel to the back of the Rail, which would be a great option for riders looking for a more playful character and a little extra tyre-to-arse clearance. If you do decide to go down that route, you can take your Rail into a Trek dealer to have the Bosch system reconfigured for the smaller wheel circumference, which will maintain the proper speed reading and motor output.

It’s worth noting that even with the Mino Link in the High position, a mullet setup would result in a lower BB. With that in mind, it may be worth considering fitting a 170mm airshaft to the Zeb, since the Rail’s frame is rated for it. This would lift the ride height and slacken out the head angle further, turning the Rail into a more gravity-focussed machine.

Component highs & lows

When it comes to the price to performance ratio, there’s no doubt that the Trek Rail 9.8 XT hits the sweet spot in the range.

The suspension is top-notch and offers plenty of usable adjustability. The Zeb’s Charger 2.1 RC damper is excellent, and really doesn’t give up a whole lot compared to the pricier Ultimate version. The Thru Shaft shock is brilliant, and it’s a big reason why the Rail is so plush and controlled.

The Shimano XT groupset is solid, and we’re glad to see a genuine Shimano 12-speed chain when other brands have been skimping and fitting a KMC chain instead. Unfortunately a freak encounter with a rock that got jammed in the chainring caused the chain to break while Justin was partway through a Stonefly mission. A spare link rescued the day, though once back in the workshop we had to replace both the chain and chainring. It was a timely reminder that stuff gets absolutely hammered on an e-MTB, and having a fancy XTR or AXS drivetrain might not be the most practical approach.

We did bleed the brakes partway through testing, as the rear was feeling slightly spongey. Thankfully it’s a quick and easy process to do with Shimano brakes, and we didn’t need to touch them for the remainder of the test period. While heavier riders will benefit from fitting a 220mm rotor up front, we found the stock setup to be plenty powerful.

Given the bush-bashing you can do aboard the Rail, we’ve been happy to have alloy crank arms and rims. Bontrager’s Line Comp wheels have been absolutely solid throughout testing, with no loose spokes, rim dings or freehub pops to speak of.

We’ve also managed to come out the other side with zero punctures or sidewall tears, which is quite frankly, amazing. The stock tyres will perform well in most Australian conditions, though if this were our bike, we’d put the SE6 on the rear to increase climbing grip and cornering traction on loose surfaces. We’d then fit a stickier compound tyre up front, like a Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip, a Specialized Butcher T9 or a Continental Argotal Super Soft DH tyre.

As far as touch points go, the LED controller is functional, but the way it sits up above the bar makes it somewhat vulnerable in the event of a crash. The Kiox 300 display is nicely tucked out of the way though, with a vibrant screen that provides you with access to loads of data without being too distracting for the rider. Still, we’re glad to see Trek update the Rail for 2023 with the newer System Controller and Mini Remote for a more discreet user interface.

What about the alloy Rail?

If you didn’t quite have the budget to stretch to the Rail 9.8 XT, the alloy Rail 9 is definitely worth consideration. It features the same suspension package, wheels and tyres, and it still gets a Bosch Performance Line CX motor. It’s equipped with a smaller 625Wh battery though, and it uses the slightly older generation frame with a shorter reach and slacker seat angle. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as we found it to be a slightly more agile bike due to the shorter wheelbase, which will potentially be preferable for less experienced riders.

Trek Rail vs Norco Sight VLT

Speaking of comparisons, a bike that we’ve spent a load of time on is the Norco Sight VLT , which is another thoroughly popular e-MTB in Australia.

Like the Rail, the Sight VLT features 160/150mm of travel and is built around 29in wheels. It’s also available with an alloy or carbon frame, though Norco has equipped it with a Shimano EP8 motor and a custom battery that’s available in 500, 720 and 900Wh sizes.

The spec you get for the money is notably better with the Sight VLT. With a 720Wh battery, the top-end Norco Sight VLT C1 sells for $12,899 AUD. That’s a similar price to the Rail 9.8 XT, but the Norco’s spec is significantly more desirable with Fox Factory Series suspension, SRAM Code RSC brakes, a OneUp dropper, DT Swiss wheelset and Maxxis DoubleDown tyres as standard with a 3C MaxxGrip Assegai on the front.

Spec aside, these two bikes do produce quite a different ride experience on the trail.

The Sight VLT feels like a bigger, heavier and less refined e-MTB. This sensation was accentuated on the bike we tested, which came fitted with a 900Wh battery that weighs half a kilo more than the Rail’s 750Wh battery. However, it’s really the Sight VLT’s longer rear centre (462mm vs 448mm) that makes the biggest difference in terms of handling.

The longer wheelbase does make the Sight VLT incredibly stable, and we found it would happily plough its way downhill with a plush and bottomless feel to its rear suspension. However, it’s not as responsive as the Rail. It’s noticeably harder to change direction, with a cumbersome feel through the corners and across tighter trails. It’s also much more difficult to lift up the front wheel when launching off a drop or manualling down the trail.

The long chainstays and steep seat tube angle makes the Sight VLT a very planted bike on the climbs. Unfortunately the Shimano EP8 motor doesn’t produce the same power or overrun as the Rail’s excellent Bosch motor, resulting in slower climbing speeds and less assistance on technical stop-start features. The Rail pulls further ahead on tight switchback climbs, with its shorter chainstays allowing it to pivot around with more precision.

While both bikes are great examples of a modern full-powered e-MTB, the Rail edges out the Sight VLT when it comes to suspension performance and all-round handling. Whether it’s worth the price premium depends on how much value you place on its ride quality, Bosch system and Trek’s warranty support.

Trek Rail vs Trek Fuel EXe

Of course the competition for the Trek Rail isn’t just coming from other brands. With the recent introduction of the Fuel EXe , Trek now has an alternative choice in its e-MTB lineup.

Compared to the Rail with its 85Nm motor and 750Wh battery, the Fuel EXe takes a sleeker and lighter-weight approach. It’s built around a tiny TQ motor that puts out 50Nm of peak torque, and it uses a much smaller 360Wh battery. Along with its slimmer frame construction, it weighs in at just 18kg for the complete bike.

The Fuel EXe does have less travel with a 150mm fork and 140mm at the rear. However, the frame will accommodate a 160mm travel fork, which is exactly how we set it up for our long-term Fuel EXe review . Along with stickier tyres and a few other changes, the Fuel EXe is an incredibly capable and fun e-MTB to ride.

Comparing the two bikes, it’s obvious that the Fuel EXe’s suspension isn’t as plush as it is on the Rail. The extra 10mm of travel and the custom Thru Shaft shock gives the Rail hypersensitive performance that delivers more grip and more comfort when things get choppy. Along with the slacker geometry and added weight, it’s a more planted bike at speed, especially when full-gassing it on hectic DH trails.

When things get tight and twisty however, the lighter Fuel EXe offers greater agility. It’s easier to ride, with more intuitive and involving handling that doesn’t make you feel like you’re an unwilling passenger. The lower weight is instantly noticeable on the trail, allowing you to change direction with less effort. It’s just also easier to deal with on a practical day-to-day basis, like when you need to flip it over to repair a puncture or load it onto a bike rack on the car. Combined with its softer and whisper-quiet motor output, it’s a less intimidating bike for newer riders.

The Fuel EXe is no doubt the better option if you’re riding in a group with regular mountain bikes. It’s quiet and stealthy, so it’s less out of place. And with the motor set to the lower assist modes, you’ll be riding at similar speeds to everyone else.

If everyone in your riding group has a full-powered e-MTB however, you’ll be putting in considerably more effort with the Fuel EXe. You’ll need to make use of the highest assist setting, which tends to drain the 360Wh battery quite quickly.

Speaking of, we actually had both the Fuel EXe and the Rail during a big backcountry ride around Mt Buller. On the final climb back to the village, the Fuel EXe’s battery ran flat, while the Rail finished with 50% left in the tank. Put simply, the Rail offers you more capacity for long rides with plenty of elevation gain. That makes it the better option if epic rides in the mountains are on the agenda, particularly if you’re going to be riding with other e-MTBs.

Flow’s Verdict

The latest generation Trek Rail continues to be one of the best handling full-powered e-MTBs we’ve tested.

The cornerstone is its terrific suspension performance, which offers excellent small-bump sensitivity and grip with a responsive feel all the way throughout the travel. Indeed the way it manages to balance big-hit compliance while still giving good pop is mighty impressive. Along with its stout chassis, long wheelbase and burly build kit, the Rail is capable of monster trucking its way down some pretty gnarly descents.

It isn’t a total barge on flowier singletrack however, which is largely down to its taut carbon frame, responsive suspension and short chainstays. Certainly for a 24kg e-MTB, it’s one of the more intuitive and fun bikes to ride.

It’s a mighty fine technical climber too. The powerful Bosch motor is responsive and intuitive, while the 750Wh battery offers loads of range for proper all-day rides in the mountains.

We reckon it would benefit a steeper seat angle, and given how many frame sizes Trek offers in its regular mountain bike range, it’d be great to see the Rail produced in a similar range of sizes. And while the majority of the build kit on the Rail 9.8 XT proven to be solid, we were disappointed to encounter a glaring problem with the battery on our test bike. This is an expensive bike after all, so we have high expectations.

Once that issue was sorted, the Rail has proven to be a solid performer that we’ve thoroughly enjoyed on some epic rides over the summer season.

We wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for smaller riders or those who are newer to mountain biking, as its overall heft and raked-out wheelbase can make it a handful on more mellow terrain. Those riders will likely be better served by the lighter Fuel EXe, or perhaps even an alloy Rail with its slightly more moderate geometry.

But if you’re after a powerful and highly capable e-MTB that thrives on enduro-type trails, the Rail delivers control and composure in spades, especially when things get steep, fast and chunky.

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Trek Powerfly 4 Gen 4 Review

• Last updated January 17, 2024

• All of our bikes are electric, but all of our writers are human.

CHARGE TIME

Trek Powerfly 4 Gen 4 Review: Takeaway

The Trek Powerfly 4 is the cheapest electric mountain bike made by Trek. This doesn’t take away from its great components and rideability, though. It’s an eMTB designed for lighter trail riding with its larger wheels that smooth out the bumps on the rough spots. Relatively light yet powerful, the Trek Powerfly 4 Gen 4 is an ideal electric mountain bike that doesn’t break the bank.

Ideal for...

E-bike overview.

The Bosch Performance CX motor gives a real kick with up to 85Nm of torque, meaning that you can pull away on a steep and muddy hill with confidence. Power delivery is smooth so you won’t spin the rear wheel should you push too hard. The Bosch smart system offers enhanced ride control with navigation and activity tracking via the eBike Flow app.

Packaged with the Bosch Performance CX motor, is their Walk Assist mode that helps push your e-bike up those tough hills you’re bound to encouter. The LED remote let’s you enable Walk Assist and control the level of pedal assist you need. The LED lights are bright and easy to see, even in bright sunlight.

One thing that Trek does with this electric bike is fit different equipment to different-sized machines. For example, on the XS and S framed machines, it has a 27.5” wheel size, while on the M, L, and XL sizes have a 29″ wheel. The frame on the smaller e-bikes are also slightly different, offering a curved top tub for sizes XS and S, while frame sizes M, L, and XL have a straight top tube.

Trek has thought about everything, not surprisingly. Rack and kickstand mounts are readily avilable, as well as an integrated speed sensor for those riders looking to use the PowerFly 4 as more of a trekker than a day-rider trail e-bike.

Reasons to Buy

If you want an electric bike but don’t want to empty your bank account, the Trek Powerfly 4 Gen 4 is a very good machine to consider. At the lower end of the premium spectrum, the Trek Powerfly 4 will be worth every penny when it comes to an electric mountian bike that will look after you on the road or trail.

Designed not to embarrass you on the trail, it works well on longer cross-country rides. Its battery will be good for a 35-mile ride on tougher terrain, and the power of the Bosch Performance CX motor will leave you breaking a sweat only if you’re going easy on the battery.

When it comes to speed control, the electric bike won’t let you down even on steep tracks in wet conditions with its Tektro hydraulic brakes, and on 203mm rotors, they won’t fade even if used a lot.

Things to Consider

If you want a genuinely inexpensive electric mountain bike, there are others like the Rad Power brand of electric bikes, but few pack as many high performance components as the Trek Powerfly 4 Gen 4. This isn’t the cheapest eMTB out there, but it is very inexpensive for a high-end machine.

Specs & Components

The specs above come from the manufacturer and may vary from what you’ve experienced. Notice something that needs correcting? Let us know .

Offering up to 85 Nm of torque, the light but punchy Bosch Performance CX motor delivers the power you need for riding off-road, including rapid direction changes and tackling steep climbs as you journey around the woods or mountain.

Its Bontrager XR3 Comp tires won’t go quickly on hard, flat surfaces due to higher rolling resistance, but this isn’t what the Powerfly 4 is about — it’s about fun in the mud and on loose surfaces. As such, the motor won’t achieve great flat-out speeds, but it’ll more than make up for it in raw power over the rough stuff.

The 500 Wh battery on the Powerfly 4 will give you a good day out on singletrack and a reasonably long day in the saddle on an off-road adventure. However, there’s no option for a range extender, so if you’re looking for more than 35 miles per charge, choose an eMTB with a range extender or a 625+ Wh battery.

Leaving your gear at a base while doing singletrack will give you more range, but if you’re carrying your pack on an adventure, this will eat into your mileage. Muddy terrain and foul weather can impact range, too.

Sat in a trekking position, you’ll use your upper body to shift your weight according to riding conditions. This could mean you get tired in your arms, chest, and shoulders after a long ride.

Sizes XS and S in the Trek Powerfly 4 range come with 27.5” wheels, while sizes M, L, and XL come with 29” wheels. Either way, they’ll smooth out the rough terrain.

The XS version of this eMTB hardtail electric bike comes with an 80mm travel SR Suntour fork, while all larger sizes have a 120mm travel fork. Both are well-suited to rough terrain.

Though Trek offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, if you haven’t looked after this e-bike, the warranty may be voided.

Clean the bike and oil its working parts after every ride. Keep an eye on chain stretch — change it when it gets to 1 mm per link, and look out for bent/broken teeth on the cassette and front chain wheel. Also, keep an eye on brake pads and hydraulic fluid. Though the Powerfly 4 is waterproof to an extent, take care when it comes to river crossings, as it isn’t designed for complete immersion!

Being a serious electric mountain bike, the Trek Powerfly 4 also looks the part. The clean lines and nice shapes of the frame along with its overall geometry combine to make for a good-looking eMTB.

The choice of colors is good too, from the loud red and black scheme to the muted gray and black. Overall, this bike looks like it means business when thrown about the tracks and trails.

We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

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Trek Verve+ 2 Lowstep E-Bike Review

We know the company is well known for building quality and sometimes good-looking bikes.

With the slight success of the Trek Verve+ e-bike in 2019, the brand decided to improve some of its components, such as motor efficiency, battery performance, and ride comfort.

Table of Contents

How Riding the Verve+2 Feels Like?

– One of the outstanding things I noticed with this e-bike improvement was how smooth and balanced the whole frame felt. Part of that is the addition of the seat-post suspension .

– On the motor side, if you get annoyed with noisy motors, no matter what assistance I was riding in, I don’t think this was the case.

The latest Bosch motors have many sensors (speed, torque, and cadence) included, so to deliver what the rider needs.

Having said that, if you want to get the best out of the Bosch technology, you are better off putting in more active pedaling than just cruising with not much use of your legs.

A couple more things:

– The bike now has a chain plastic guard , which is fantastic for commuting to prevent work pants or shoes from being stained.

– No front suspension . This could be an important factor if you are looking for more comfort, but it also adds to the overall weight.

Verve+ 2 Specs

Pedal assisted system (pas) feature.

This electric bicycle is classified as a pedelec, with a power assist cut-off limit of 20 mph (32 km/h ). On the other hand, depending on how much assistance you need, you can get four (4) levels: eco, tour, sport, and turbo .

What does it mean in terms of power?

Well, I found that the Eco mode will provide 40% power, the Tour mode will be 60%, the Sport level will be 80%, and last but not least, the Turbo mode will be 100%.

Bosch Purion display feature

– I think the display is a straightforward controller that shows all the basic features, including speed, traveled distance, battery range , and assistance level.

– Although the controller is easily accessible for on-riding operation, I think it is better to set what you need beforehand as I found the display a bit hard to read on a sunny day.

– I like the controller shows battery range, as this is always an important readout, especially when touring.

Other things about its pedelec configuration

– I’m unsure why the brand did not include a walking mode feature. I believe this feature is a miss as there could be moments where walking is easier than riding.

– Although some users believe the display is terrible because of its small size, it still does much better than what more expensive brands offer, like the  iWOC TRIO by Mahle.

Mid-Drive Bosch Motor

– Compared to the 2018 Verve model, this mid-drive motor is basically the same. Nevertheless, there seems to be more sensor sensitivity, which gives more accurate power based on your pedal cadence.

Read More: Electric Motor Bike Guide – What to Know About It .

– The watts and torque may not be impressive to me, but I think they are good enough for commuting in any city setting.

– Another thing I like about this motor is its small size, which is ideal for bikes that may be generally heavy.

Lastly, if you are more inclined to pedal on low gears, be mindful that the RPM has been limited to only 100, meaning that the motor won’t give power passing this point.

Any Battery Changes?

– The brand hasn’t changed much on the 400W lithium battery side either, as this new model has a standard one.

Read More: eBike Batteries – The Beginner’s Guide .

– One thing that I appreciate about the brand is its weight, which is about 2.45 kg (5.4 lbs) . Therefore, it would be easy to carry anywhere.

Read More: eBike Anti-Theft Guide: Best Ways to Secure an Electric Bike

– One thing that I noticed is how hot it gets if charging on a hot day. I’m unsure if this is normal for 36v batteries , but it is better to pull it out of the frame and charge it in a cool room (if you can).

What can you get for range?

As mentioned before, you have four-pedal assistance levels. Depending on the selection, you will roughly get:

– Eco: ~ 90 miles.

– Tour: ~70 miles.

– Sport: ~55 miles.

– Turbo: approx. 35 miles.

These range estimates are not 100% accurate because other factors, such as route topography and cadence, will affect them.

Also, the ranges are estimated, assuming the motor always assists you.

Other points to know about it

– This e-bike also comes with a standard charger of 2 amps, which means the battery will be charged in about 5 hours .

– The front and rear lights and the controller are other elements the battery powers. There is no need to be worried here, as the power drawn by these elements is minimal.

The Non-powered Elements

Braking performance.

– Like the previous model, this one also has Shimano hydraulic brakes. The 160 mm rotors were designed to perform well with the dual-piston Calipers.

– One thing I like here is the three (3) level adjustable finger , so people with small hands like me can easily reach the brake lever.

– Not many electric bicycles come with a dual-piston system, so rest assured you will have great braking performance in any weather.

Seat and lights

– This model has undergone many changes, which are more noticeable in the seat design, the light position, and the fenders.

– The saddle has a 30mm travel spring suspension , which is great for long-distance rides. I like that it is kept wide and has a small ventilation point for comfort.

– After many riders’ feedback, one of the biggest changes was the front and rear light position.

– The front light is now attached to the fork rather than the actual frame. For many, this was a downside when steering, as no light brightened the way.

– The rear one is attached to the rear rack rather than the fender. This doesn’t look like a big change, I think.

Tires and gearing system

Not much was changed with the tires this time. They kept the same Bontrager brand to provide the quality required on any hard terrain.

One thing to notice is the quality of the tires’ carving.

I believe it is smoother in the center, so there is less friction when riding. Also, the side pads are bigger to keep a good grip when taking corners

Read More: Electric Bike Tires Buying Guide .

As for the gear system, it is the same Shimano quality that many other brands use.

On this occasion, 9 gears are available to reach the top speed without pedaling too much.

I’m pleased to see the addition of the plastic guard to cover the chain. This is great for avoiding your long pants being wrapped by the chain and for keeping them from getting greasy.

This was very thoughtful, considering it was designed for commuting.

Structure design

There are two (2) frames available, where one is a high-step, and the other one is a step-thru

If you are more inclined to the low-step design, I see that there was no allowance for a bottle holder to be installed. This is definitely a downside .

No suspension?

Many riders believe that not having a front suspension will result in an uncomfortable ride. This could be true, depending on where you ride it.

I know the Verve 2 Plus doesn’t come with a suspension system, aside from the saddle, of course, but looking at the bigger picture, not many dedicated commuter electric bikes have suspension.

Just think that the overall weight will increase when adding more fancy elements.

If you want added comfort, I suggest getting a hybrid electric bicycle, such as the Giant Roam E+ .

Available sizes

Last but not least, knowing what sizes are available is good. From the old days model, these numbers haven’t changed:

Even if your height is good for one of their frames, I strongly suggest having a test ride and making sure you can comfortably touch the ground.

Should you Consider this Trek Commuter eBike?

It is clear that other bike companies are launching good quality commuter models for an affordable price.

When comparing the two models, 2018 and 2022, I saw few changes . To be honest, the modifications were more aesthetic than mechanical.

Some of the modifications included a set of plastic fenders, a plastic guard chain (which is awesome for keeping your long pants from getting dirty), and a more versatile light system.

The one thing I definitely like is the improved responsiveness of the sensors when pedaling. This translates into a more efficient motor and an improved range for the battery.

Overall, I believe the Trek Verve+ 2 model is worth test-riding.

All images courtesy of Trek

I'm Felipe, founder and driver of Electric Bike Advisor (EBA). With the support of a few friends, who are also passionate about riding their bicycles every day and everywhere, I started this website to offer a way for riders to find insights about the industry. My reviews are subjective, and offer a none bias opinion. Thanks for reading.

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Cannondale adventure neo 4 e-bike review, moustache lundi 27.1 step-thru e-bike review, the retro e-bike – wildsyde shadow review.

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Trek Verve+ 2 Review

Jordan Grimez

Ebicycles score.

The American company Trek is one of the world’s leading bicycle brands, known for producing premium quality bikes with high prices to match.

Trek has a wide range of electric hybrids with Bosch electronics and quality components. These include the Dual Sport+, FX+, Allant+, and Verve+.

The Verve+ is the comfort-focused model family in the lineup.

These lightweight city bikes have upright geometry, shock-absorbing seatpost suspension, smooth Bosch mid-drive motors, and a set of commuter components. Each of the three Verve+ models is available as a step-over or step-through.

This review will examine Trek Verve+ 2, the most affordable of the three Verve+ builds. We’ll discuss the bike’s main specs and characteristics to see how they stack up against the competition to help you choose the perfect e-bike for your needs and preferences.

Trek Verve+ 2 Specs:

• MSRP: $2,850
• Class: 1, 20 mph
• Motor: 250W Bosch Active Line, 40Nm
• Battery:  400Wh PowerPack
• Range: 60 miles
• Tires: 700c x 45mm
• Drivetrain: Shimano Alivio 9-speed
• Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm rotors
• Trek Verve+ 2 weight: 51.5 lb (Step-over) 52 lb (Lowstep)
• Payload Capacity: 300 lb

Trek Verve+ 2 Review: Comfort, Convenience, and Reliability With a Brand-Name Price

There’s no getting around it, Trek electric bicycles cost more than average. A reputation for quality, a lifetime warranty on each bike frame, and convenient support from local dealers help explain the inflated prices.

At slightly less than $3,000, the Trek Verve+ 2 is expensive for an electric hybrid bike , but it offers plenty for riders who value comfort, smooth performance, and reliability. It has Bontrager, Bosch, and Shimano components throughout, all of which work smoothly. This bike is ready for commuting as it’s sold, but the mid-drive design and modest motor power mean that it’s best suited to riders who want a boost, not a free ride.

The Verve+ 2 competes with other brand-name models like Cannondale’s Adventure Neo 3 EQ and Specialized’s Turbo Vado 3.0, which have very similar build kits and are slightly more expensive but more refined.

You can easily find an urban e-bike for one-half or one-third of the price that the Verve+ 2 goes for, but you’re much more likely to run into issues and be left high and dry when they arise.

Alternatively, you have dozens of similar options in the entry-level market, such as the Ride1UP 700 Series , Aventon Level.2 , and Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus . These options are roughly $1,000 cheaper and have much more power. However, they use hub motors, are heavier, and have cheaper components. Likewise, they’re direct-to-consumer, so you don’t have the same support if something goes wrong.

Now, let’s look closer at this Trek bike to see how the individual characteristics and components compare against the abovementioned competition.

Trek Verve+ 2 E-Bike Pros and Cons

A semi-integrated frame with upright geometry and ample sizing.

The Trek Verve+ 2 is one of the few models above $2,000 without a frame-integrated battery, which gives it a slightly old-fashioned look. Even entry-level Aventon, Rad Power Bikes, and Ride1UP models have integrated batteries. One slight upside of this design is the battery is straightforward to remove for security or off-bike charging.

Despite its slightly outdated look, the Alpha Gold Aluminum frame is high quality, sturdy, and relatively light , resulting in a 52lb total weight. It can also support a payload of 300 lb.

The geometry is upright and relaxed, providing a comfortable position for riding in the city. This position also gives you a good view of the road ahead.

The Trek Verve+ 2 Lowstep is more accessible with its easy-to-mount frame. However, neither is quite as comfortable as the Cannondale Adventure Neo or Rad Power Bikes RadCity with their swept-back handlebars, fork suspension, and wider tires.

An advantage of buying a Trek bike is the ample sizing options. Between the two frame designs, there is an option for riders 4’10” to 6’6″ (the Lowstep fits shorter riders), so pretty much everyone can find the right fit.

Bosch-Powered E-Bike with Smooth Assitance and Plenty of Range

The Trek Verve+ 2 is an ebike with a Bosch motor , boasting a Bosch Active Line motor and a 400 Wh PowerPack, the same system used on the Cannondale Adventure Neo 3 EQ. Bosch mid-drive motors are among the best in the industry, providing smooth and reliable performance.

However, a mid-drive unit like the Active Line is only suitable for riders who expect to contribute some of their power to get where they need to go. This type of system doesn’t give you an effortless ride like the 750W throttle-powered systems found on the RadCity 5 Plus or 700 Series.

The Trek Verve+ 2, powered by a Bosch Active Line motor, offers a reliable performance for riders seeking a traditional bike feel with a boost, covering up to 60 miles on a single charge.

Additionally, with just 40 Nm of torque, you must make a significant effort when riding up steep gradients or carrying cargo. However, if you like the natural feel of a traditional bike and want an extra boost instead of a scooter-like ride, then the Verve+ 2 is a great option.

The 400 Wh battery will return a max range of roughly 60 miles, similar to the Adventure Neo 3 EQ and slightly less than the Turbo Vado 3.0 with its 530 Wh battery.

Finally, Trek chose Bosch’s minimalist Purion display for the Verve+ 2. This suits the bike well and provides enough information for most riders.

Comprehensive Urban Design with Quality Brand-Name Components

The Trek Verve+ 2 is a commuter-style hybrid with everything you need for urban riding. This includes front and rear lights (120-lumen headlight), an MIK-compatible rear rack with a 55 lb capacity, and plastic fenders.

Its Shimano groupset is typical for this price point and provides solid, reliable performance for urban riding. The Verve+ 2 gets the same Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain and MT200 hydraulic discs as the Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0, just with a lower-quality 38t chainring. The Cannondale Adventure Neo 3 has a slightly cheaper microSHIFT Marvo 9-speed drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic discs.

One major difference between Verve+ 2 and the bikes we’ve been comparing is the wheels and tires. The comparison bikes have 27.5″ wheels with tires between 2″ and 2.4″. The Verve+ 2 has large 700c wheels wrapped in 45 mm tires.

This combination allows this bike to roll much more efficiently on pavement, making this e-bike suitable for riding without assistance, if necessary. The Bontrager H5 Hard-Case Ultimate tires are also some of the most durable on the market.

What is the range of the Trek Verve+ 2?

The range of the Trek Verve+ 2 is around 30 miles on average. However, in ideal conditions on ‘Eco’ mode, you can achieve up to 60 miles. In very tough conditions on max power, the total range may be as low as 10 miles.

How much does a Trek Verve+ 2 weigh?

The Trek Verve+ 2 Lowstep weighs 52lb, and the regular step-over frame weighs slightly less at 51.5lb. This is relatively low for a fully-equipped commuter e-bike in this price range. The PowerPack battery weighs approximately 5lb, so removing it can help when lifting the bike.

What is the top speed of a Trek Verve+ 2?

The top speed of a Trek Verve+ 2 is 20mph. At this speed, the motor stops assisting, making it a Class 1 electric bike. This speed is achievable on flat terrain without a headwind. Riders will struggle to reach the max speed going uphill or against a strong wind.

Our Verdict: Ride or Pass?

Trek’s Verve+ 2 is one of the company’s most affordable electric bikes. While Trek bikes are known for their premium prices, the Verve+ 2 is a compelling option if you want brand-name quality without the huge price tag.

The Verve+ stands out for its comfort and urban functionality . With features like reliable Bosch electronics, Shimano gearing, comfortable geometry, seatpost suspension, and puncture-resistant tires, the Verve+ 2 is convenient to own and a pleasure to ride.

The Trek Verve+ 2 offers brand-name quality at an affordable price, blending urban functionality and comfort with agile performance, making it a top pick for versatile city commuting.

One notable aspect of the Verve+ 2 is its low weight, 700c wheels, and narrow-ish tires, contributing to its overall agility and maneuverability. Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring local bike paths, or simply enjoying leisurely rides, the Verve+ 2’s specs make it a worthy consideration.

Trek’s attention to detail, warranties, and dealer network means you can expect a bike that performs well and withstands the test of time. Therefore, this bike gets a ‘ride’ verdict from us.

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Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review – a great ebike for first-time riders

Approachable, easy-riding and plenty peppy.

Tom's Guide Verdict

The Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is an approachable, easy-riding and comfortable ebike that's great for beginners and anyone with apprehensions about motor-assisted cycling. Its 250W motor isn't the most powerful but it's plenty peppy enough for cruising around at speeds up to 20 mph with little effort. Pricier than other entry-level options, the Verve+ 1 Lowstep includes a two-year warranty on the battery and a lifetime warranty on the bike.

Approachable upright riding position

Stylish and constructed with high-quality components

Hydraulic disk brakes are very responsive

Peppy motor, even on steep hills

Lots of accessories available/frame attachment points

Non-removable battery with somewhat limited range

E-assist lags slightly

Pricier than the competition

No throttle

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

• Price and availability
• Riding experience
• Battery life and performance
• Accessories
• The competition

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT: Verdict

Weight: 44 pounds Max rider weight: 300lb Tires: 27.5 x 2.0 Drivetrain: Eight-speed, chain Motor: 250W rear hub motor, 40Nm torque Battery:  48V, nonremovable, (250 Wh) Max advertised range: 35 miles Assist levels: Three

The Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is the brand's entry-level, upright-style electric bike for beginners, commuters and joy riders. Featuring a step-through frame, a large comfortable seat, grippy handlebars and a riding position that makes it easy to keep an eye on traffic, the Verve+ 1 LT is one of the best beginner-friendly ebikes available.

It's a bit pricier than the competition, but Trek makes up for it with high-quality components, including hydraulic disc brakes, integrated lights and fenders, oversized tires and a reasonably lightweight (44 pounds) design, with an all-aluminum frame construction. 

Powered by a modest yet capable enough 250W motor integrated into the rear wheel hub, users can select from three e-assist levels and eight gear speeds. At $2,300, it may not be a contender for our best budget electric bikes guide, but it's a strong contender as one of the best ebikes for newbies.

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: Price and availability

The Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is available for $2,300 from Trek directly, including Trek retail stores. You can also find it in a lot of local independent bike shops. The cost of the bike includes professional assembly, which is a huge plus. I recently tried to build an ebike at home and ran into several issues, despite working confidently on traditional bikes. 

For U.S. customers, all Trek bikes, electric or not, come with Trek Care , which covers the frame and main mechanical components for life. The battery, on the other hand, has a two-year warranty . While it's not meant to be removed by customers, Trek shops can easily switch it out if/when it does need replacing. 

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: Design

The Trek Verve+ 1 LT comes in three sizes, small, medium and large — I tested the latter —  and three colors: Galatic Grey, Viper Red, and Baja Yellow. All variations feature the same low-step-style frame with no upper crossbar to contend with. Built out of Trek's Alpha Gold Aluminum, the bike weighs in at a manageable 44 pounds. 

With handlebars that are positioned high and wide, riders are seated upright rather than hunched over, like on a performance bike. The rubber grips on the handlebars are also super comfortable with lots of real estate to accommodate even the largest hands. The brake levers are also long and easy to grip. 

You'll find the e-bike controls on the inside of the left handlebar. A long press on the on/off switch gets things going, while the plus and minus buttons allow you to jump between no e-assist and the three powered settings.

The green LEDs indicate how much charge the battery has left while the red LEDs represent the e-assist setting. It's a lot more basic than the displays on the Ride1Up Turris or the RadPower RadCity 5 Plus , but it gets the job done. 

In addition to three e-assist settings, the bike has eight geared speeds which are adjusted using two levers located on the inside of the right handlebar. A small window facing riders indicates the current gear via an orange strip.

The bike seat features a quick-release lever making it easy to adjust the height for different riders on the fly. Trek equipped the Verve+ 1 LT with the wide and comfy Bontrager Boulevard Bike Saddle, which is a nice upgrade over the saddles that come on most entry-level models. 

Power comes from the 250W, 40Nm motor tucked in the rear wheel hub. The eight-speed drivetrain uses all high-quality Shimano components, including the shifter and derailleurs. The disc brakes, meanwhile are made by Tektro. 

The tires are a hybrid affair, making them suitable for pavement and trail riding. I was easily able to cruise over loose gravel and dirt on the bike without issue. And while they offer basic puncture protection, they are far from the Kevlar-reinforced tires I default to on my own bikes.

Last but not least, the Trek Verve+ 1 LT comes with wide, grippy Bontrager City pedals which provide decent traction even in wet weather (I mostly rode around wearing sneakers or hiking boots). 

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: Riding experience

In addition to riding the Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT across the world's longest floating bridge and up the steepest hill in Seattle , Washington, I also used it to get around town while running errands and taking midday breaks. Here's how it faired.

The bike is extremely easy to get on and off of, and feels stable while riding, even at fast speeds. First-time riders should start with e-assist in the lowest setting before cranking it up, as the bike accelerates quickly at maximum power.

However, there is a slight delay between when you start to pedal and when the motor kicks in, about two pedal strokes, which is worth keeping in mind when taking on big hills. 

The max e-assisted speed is 20 mph, which you can easily surpass with some help from gravity. Going up hills is fairly painless, especially in the bike's easiest gear and with maximum e-assist. However, unlike some of its competitors, the bike lacks a throttle, so you can't get a free ride.

Both the seat and handlebars are plenty comfortable. I rode on numerous occasions in inclement weather and had no issues gripping the bike or keeping my feet on the pedals. The tires also provide ample traction on wet pavement.

It's worth noting that there's no suspension, so, expect to feel some bumps and knocks as you cruise around. That said, I wouldn't call it a stiff ride. Also, lowering your tire pressure a bit below the recommended PSI will give you a little more cushion, if needed.

The brakes are very responsive, so resist gripping them too tightly your first several times stopping or you may send yourself into orbit. That said, the stopping power is fantastic, even under wet conditions. 

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: Battery life and performance

The bike's battery is integrated into the downtube on the frame, making it pretty damn difficult for someone to steal. The downside is that you can't carry an extra. However, Trek sells a battery range extender for $499, which more than doubles the total advertised distance to 75 miles — the advertised range without it is 35 miles. The extender does add an extra 3.5 pounds of weight, though. 

Without the extender and in everyday riding conditions, versus the ideal conditions these batteries are tested in, I got closer to 16 miles of range while using maximum e-assist (and climbing 1,400 ft). While riding more conservatively, switching between the three power settings as needed, I was able to squeeze out closer to 25 miles, again with ~1000 ft climbed. 

I do reckon that on flat terrain using only the lowest e-assist setting, I could make it to 35 miles on a single charge, but where's the fun in that? Fortunately, as long as your destination has a power outlet and you're sticking around for a bit, I found the battery can be charged up fully in just over two hours.

The bike charges via a covered port at the base of the downtube and the included charger has plenty of length for hard-to-reach outlets. 

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: Accessories

While accessories like front and rear rain/mudguards, lights and even a MIK-system compatible rear cargo rack come standard on the Trek Verve+ 1 LT, you'll need to shell out extra coin for goodies like the detachable bike bag shown above, the mountable battery extender (obviously) or a water bottle holder. Fortunately, the Verve+ 1 LT is covered in mounting points to accommodate all sorts of accessories, allowing you to customize it to your heart's content. 

Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT review: The competition

The Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus is the best ebike for most people and a solid low-step-style alternative to the Trek Verve+ 1 LT. It features a more powerful motor, greater range and a lower price in a similar package. However, it is 20 pounds heavier with one less gear.

The Ride1Up Turris is about $1,000 less than the Trek and also offers a comparable range with a more powerful motor. However, it too is about 10 pounds heavier. 

If you want a low-step bike with maximum range, consider the incredibly named NIU BQi-C3 Pro . It's good for an advertised 90-mile distance but also weighs a hefty 70.5 pounds and doesn't have any gears, which might be a deal-breaker if you live somewhere with lots of hills. 

The Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is the most approachable and well-equipped beginner-friendly ebike I've encountered. Professional assembly is included in the price of the bike, as is a lifetime warranty on the major parts, except the battery, which has a two-year warranty. 

Easy to ride and appropriate for folks of all statures, the built-in motor has three speeds; the lowest setting is great for getting used to the electric-assisted lifestyle. However, the motor is nothing short of zippy with maximum power. 

Battery life could be better, but for trips under 20 miles, the Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep LT is a great option. The eight-speed drivetrain makes it appropriate for even the hilliest terrain. Plus, the battery recharges in about two hours and an accessory range extender can be picked up, doubling your distance.

Ultimately, if I were a man of many dollars, this is the ebike I'd buy for my parents to enjoy because it's safe, built from quality components and a lot of fun to ride. I also dig Trek's incredibly helpful customer service. However, it's hard to ignore its price, which is much higher than some of our other favorite bikes, including those with specs and features that meet or exceed what Trek offers.

Dan Bracaglia covers fitness and consumer technology with an emphasis on wearables for Tom's Guide. Based in the US Pacific Northwest, Dan is an avid outdoor adventurer who dabbles in everything from kayaking to snowboarding, but he most enjoys exploring the cities and mountains with his small pup, Belvedere. Dan is currently training to climb some of Washington State's tallest peaks. He's also a big photography nerd. 

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Trek launches FX+ 2 and Dual Sport+ 2 electric bikes

Lightweight, everyday e-bikes ready for city or adventure rides.

Trek launched two new versions from its e-bike line on Wednesday, the FX + 2 and the Dual Sport + 2. The FX+ 2 is a lightweight, everyday e-bike designed for city riding, and the Dual Sport+ 2 is an e-bike for multi-surface adventures.

Every FX+ 2 model is built with a 40 Nm rear-wheel-drive electric motor, powered by a 250 Wh internal battery system that provides the torque riders need for city riding.

• Lightweight frame
• Up to 5.4 kg lighter than most electric bikes, the FX+ is easy to manoeuvre and offers a natural ride feel.
• Useful accessories: All FX+ models come stock with lights, mudguards and a rear rack.
• Convenient on-bar controls
• The FX+ makes it easy to toggle between three levels of assist with on-bar controls right at a rider’s fingertips.

Dual Sport+ 2

The Dual Sport+ 2 is a smooth, lightweight, go-anywhere e-bike made for multi-surface adventures.

Every Dual Sport+ 2 model is built with a 40 Nm rear-wheel-drive electric motor powered by a 250 Wh internal battery system that provides the torque riders need to tackle everything from city riding to local gravel trails. Plus, the Dual Sport+ comes with wide and stable tyres so riders can explore a wide variety of terrain.

The bike comes with A 25 km/h max assist speed for mixed terrain, and you can ride 55 km on one charge or double their distance with an optional Range Extender battery system.

• Ride any road: The Dual Sport+ 2 is a true multi-surface e-bike, with wide and stable tyres that are ready to roll from road to trail.
• Ride light: This is Trek’s lightest hybrid e-bike ever, the Dual Sport+ is up to 5.4 kg lighter than most electric bikes.
• Ride simplified: The Dual Sport+ 2 makes it easy to toggle between three levels of assist with on-bar controls right at a rider’s fingertips.

Dual Sport+ 2, $3,050 Dual Sport+ 2 Stagger, $3,050

FX+ 2, $3,200 FX+ 2 Stagger, $3,200

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2023 Trek Domane+ e-road bike review: Ultra-quiet, ultra-stealthy

Flagship model weighs just 12.21 kg, and us-spec bikes get a genuinely useful 45 km/h cutoff from the new tq mid-drive motor..

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Trek has today announced the third generation of its Domane+ e-assist road bike, and it’s quite the change from the one that came before. There’s a new motor from German company TQ, a brand-new carbon fiber frame with more advanced carbon fiber content and construction, more tire clearance, and in general, a sleeker and lighter total package that looks and feels more like a “regular” road bike.

It sounds like quite the complete package on paper, and it mostly is in reality – with some caveats, of course. 

The lightning pace of e-bike motor development 

Trek clearly isn’t shy about switching motor suppliers. Each generation of the Domane+ has used a different brand of motor: Bosch on the first generation one, Fazua on the second iteration, and now TQ on this latest third-generation model. 

Why the switch, you wonder? Because it seems like quite the advancement in a number of key areas.

First and foremost, the TQ HPR-50 motor is legitimately tiny, so much so that in profile, you almost wouldn’t guess at all that the Domane+ is an e-bike. Unlike the previous Bosch and Fazua units, the TQ is hidden completely inside a painted-to-match shroud at the bottom bracket with little on the outside to give anything away. Of course, a closer look reveals clues such as the cooling port on the underside of the cover, but even the battery is fully integrated inside the down tube.

Trek is also touting the HPR-50’s unusually quiet operation, which comes about thanks to a unique interior configuration that does away with the usual array of reduction gears and/or belts, and is claimed to reduce internal friction, too. Trek’s official press materials also make mention of the lower Q-factor as compared to the Fazua unit, but don’t get too excited; it’s only down 2 mm in total, and the 163 mm figure is still about 12 mm wider than what you get with Shimano GRX, or 17 mm wider than most dedicated road cranks. 

Be that as it may, the specs of the TQ HPR-50 motor are impressive. The official maximum power output is 300 W (or 50 Nm of torque), and it’s powered by a 360 Wh Li-ion battery in the down tube that Trek claims is good for “up to” 145 km (90 miles) in Eco mode. An optional range extender battery tucks into a water bottle cage for another 160 Wh, and the system can even run on just the range extender battery alone should you want to fly with your new Domane+ and need to tuck in under typical airline battery size restrictions.

Three levels of e-assist are available, each of which can be customized using the Trek Central smartphone app. Switching between the three assist levels is literally at your fingertips thanks to convenient remote buttons positioned next to the brake lever hoods, while the various mode screens on the high-resolution LCD panel on the top tube are accessed directly on that panel. Among the available screen pages are windows for remaining battery life (expressed numerically as both a percentage and time to empty, and visually with bars), current power output, speed, and distance – and when you’re charging the system, the display even gives you a precise countdown to when the battery is full. 

Frame design implications

The bigger benefit of switching to the TQ HPR-50 motor is arguably how it affects the latest Domane+’s frame design. Trek sought to have this version look as much like a non-powered bike as possible, and aside from some generally inflated proportions, that goal seems to have been met.

The motor’s smaller form factor makes for a more normal-looking bottom bracket area, and although the down tube is notably bulbous given the internally housed battery, the whole frame looks surprisingly proportional. The Q-factor may not have changed much, but the more typical chainline has allowed Trek to switch to a standard 142 mm-wide rear hub in place of the “Road Boost” 148 mm one on the previous-generation Domane+, which is a great move for wheel compatibility.

The 2023 Domane+ marks the first time Trek has used its top-end OCLV 800 carbon fiber content. Combined with the integrated down tube battery – meaning there’s no need for a large hatch – Trek claims to have lopped 450 g from the previous Domane+ chassis. Claimed weight for an unpainted 56 cm frame is around 1,250 g. Adding to that is 1,850 g for the motor, 1,835 g for the 360-Wh battery, plus a few more grams for mounting hardware.

That claimed frame weight includes the latest version of Trek’s IsoSpeed pivoting seat cluster concept. This incarnation isn’t adjustable, but it does use a conventional (albeit proprietary) telescoping carbon fiber seatpost instead of the integrated seatmast of previous IsoSpeed-equipped bikes. 

All in, my 52 cm flagship sample with a SRAM Red eTap AXS wireless electronic 1×12 groupset and Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V carbon clinchers tips the scales at a comparatively svelte 12.21 kg (26.92 lb).

Save for a 10 mm increase in chainstay length – a consequence of the TQ HPR-50’s motor casing size – frame geometry is the same as the non-powered Domane, down to the millimeter. Stack and reach figures are more upright and relaxed as compared to the Madone or Emonda, but both are still pretty sporty overall, and trail figures in the low-60s across the board are intended to provide fairly nimble handling manners. 

Despite those virtually identical dimensions, the Domane+ is approved for tires up to 40 mm-wide, whereas the non-powered Domane tops out at 35 mm. Keep in mind those are Trek’s official ratings, which account for a minimum of 6 mm of space all around. Actual maximum tire sizes will almost certainly be bigger, though that’ll depend on your comfort level for potential frame rub. 

Either way, adding fenders to the hidden front and rear mounts will drop that maximum tire size by 5 mm. 

Naturally, cabling is fully hidden, although the manner in which Trek has gone about it for the new Domane+ isn’t nearly as maddening as it could have been. Lines are run externally on the handlebar before being routing alongside the underside of (not through) the stem and then into ports in the dedicated upper headset cover. Keeping things visually tidy are a cosmetic cover bolted to the bottom of the stem and profiled headset spacers that are also split for easier bar height adjustment. 

Models, availability, and pricing

Trek will offer the new Domane+ in six different build kits, all using the same frame and motor package. There are only three price points, though, with each one offering a SRAM and Shimano variant. Interestingly, all SRAM-equipped bikes will come with 1×12 drivetrains and 40 mm-wide Bontrager gravel tires, while Shimano bikes are set up with 2×12 drivetrains and more tarmac-oriented 32 mm-wide slicks. As usual for Trek’s premium models, Project One custom builds are available in most models, although whichever way you slice it, the prices are awfully high.

Topping the list is the Domane+ SLR 9 eTap P1 (US$13,000 / AU$n/a / £12,900 / €14,500), built with a SRAM Red eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.15 kg (26.79 lb).

Sitting alongside that is the Domane+ SLR 9 P1 (US$13,000 / AU$n/a / £12,500 / €14,000), equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 2×12 electronic groupset, 21 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon clinchers, and 32 mm-wide Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite slicks. Claimed weight is 11.75 kg (25.90 lb).

The middle child is the Domane+ SLR 7 eTap P1 (US$10,000 / AU$n/a / £9,750 / €11,000) with a SRAM Force eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.50 kg (27.56 lb).

Alternatively, the Domane+ SLR 7 P1 (US$10,000 / AU$n/a / £9,450 / €10,600) comes with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 2×12 electronic groupset and the same wheel-and-tire package. Claimed weight is 12.20 kg (26.90 lb).

There’s also a slightly less expensive non-Project One Domane+ SLR 7 (US$9,500 / AU$14,500 / £8,900 / €10,000).

Looking for the fancy TQ motor on a “budget”? The Domane+ SLR 6 eTap P1 (US$9,000 / AU$n/a / £8,900 / €10,000) is equipped with SRAM’s Rival eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.60 kg (27.78 lb).

If you prefer Shimano, there’s the Domane+ SLR 6 P1 (US$9,000 / AU$n/a / £8,890 / €9,600) with the same wheel-and-tire package, but Shimano’s latest 105 Di2 2×12 electronic groupset. Claimed weight is 12.40 kg (27.34 lb).

Finally, there’s the non-P1 Domane+ SLR 6 (US$8,500 / AU$13,000 / £8,340 / €9,000).

All of the new Domane+ models are supposedly available for ordering and/or purchase starting today.

Like an ever-present hand on your back

I should first point out in this review that your own experience on the new Domane+ will vary greatly depending on where you are. In the US, the TQ HPR-50 motor is allowed to operate at full power up to 45 km/h (28 mph). However, the cutoff in Europe is just 25 km/h, while most other countries will be at various points in between. I did this test in the United States, so take my commentary with a grain of salt if you live in a different region. 

It’s also important to remember that there are essentially two major categories these days: so-called full-power ones such as what you normally see from brands like Bosch and Shimano, and lightweight models such as this new Domane+. Full-power ones are usually rated for around 250 W or so of power (and around 85 Nm of torque), but keep in mind that’s a nominal figure. Peak outputs are usually much, much higher – often more than 800 W. 

But like other e-bikes in this “lightweight” category, the output of the TQ HPR-50 motor is far more modest. It’s rated at 300 W, but that’s the most you’ll ever get out of it (give or take a few watts). Likewise, maximum torque is capped at 50 Nm. The benefit of that reduced output is a huge weight advantage for the motor and battery itself, plus everything else on the bike can be made lighter as well.

That all said, while I know opinions are definitely mixed out there with respect to e-road bikes, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have one heck of a good time testing this thing.

Those full-power e-bikes are undoubtedly fun (so much power!), but the experience can also be so far removed from purely human-powered pedaling that it can almost seem like something other than bike riding. But this Domane+? It’s more like you’ve always got a hand on your back, or the feeling you get when you’re having a really, really (really) good day. 

Trek intends for the Domane+ to feel like a regular road bike, and for the most part, I’m inclined to agree. Power from the TQ motor doesn’t come suddenly like a kick, but more like a building wave. It’s surprisingly subtle, so much so that when you rise out of the saddle to sprint, it almost seems like nothing’s happening – but then you look at your speed and your times, and it’s pretty clear that isn’t the case.

The way that power comes on is interesting, though. It’s not simply a direct proportion of your own output, but a more complex calculation that also takes other factors into account like speed and cadence. From what I can tell, it’s almost like the system has two goals.

One is helping you maintain your speed. For example, when casually cruising at 150 W (and with the highest-power setting selected), there are times the system is putting out 200 W or more. At other times, it’s kicking out almost nothing. But in either case, how much power the system produces depends on how much help it thinks you need, and it does an uncannily good job of figuring that out. 

It’s also pretty impressive when flirting with that 45 km/h cutoff. One of the main drags heading back into town is mostly flat, but with some small rollers and often just enough of a tailwind that you can really build a head of steam. The Domane+ was more than happy to give me a nudge to get me to that magical 45 km/h mark, and then just barely enough power to let me stay just shy of that figure so as to not trigger the cutoff. And when I did cross that line, the cutoff is remarkably gentle, so much so that I kept peeking at the top tube display to see if the system really wasn’t doing anything.  

It’s when climbing that the TQ HPR-50 comes into its own. There, the motor doesn’t seem to just want you to maintain your speed; it wants you to feel like a superhero (at least in full-power mode). Needless to say, the feeling of climbing like that is addictive, but it also highlights the power limitations of the system. Say you’re climbing steady at 200 W and the system is kicking out another 300 W. But if you put down more than that, it’s still topped out at 300 W. Granted, that’s still an awful lot more than I can maintain on my own, but proportionally speaking, it’s more noticeable that the system is cutting power than when you’re hitting the speed limit. 

But it’s still fun.

Unfortunately, there’s another limit to that fun, and Trek’s range claims strike me as a bit ambitious (which isn’t surprising). Granted, range claims are always more than a little fuzzy, and the mountainous terrain of my local stomping grounds certainly has a lot to do with that. One ride in particular covered just 38 km (23.5 miles), but almost 800 m (2,600 ft) of elevation gain – all at maximum power assist (have I mentioned how much fun this bike is?). But when I got back home, the battery capacity was down to a middling 27%. Granted, I could have done that same ride on a lower power setting, but where’s the joy in that?

Here’s where that lightweight vs. full-power thing comes in again. While lightweight models like this Domane+ indeed feel more like non-powered bikes most of the time, there’s no substitute for watt-hours. To put that into perspective, I played around with a Canyon Grail:On gravel e-bike a couple of years ago, which is equipped with a full-power Bosch system and a much bigger battery. One ride I did on that bike covered more than 47 km (29.5 miles) with just shy of 1,200 m (3850 ft) of elevation gain – and there was enough juice left at the end that I almost could have done that ride twice. 

Granted, that bike was more of a bruiser than this Domane+, which does really feel a lot like a good, non-powered road bike in many respects. While it’s fun to blast around in full-power mode, kicking things down a notch or so dramatically extends battery life. There’s some noticeable friction in the TQ motor when pedaling without power at all – more from the bearing seals than parasitic mechanical losses, from what I can tell – but it’s not bad at all, and it certainly pales in comparison to what the motor is putting out.

Aside for the extra weight, the Domane+ genuinely feels pretty normal – certainly enough so that you don’t feel like you have to be in full-power mode all the time. And just as promised, the TQ HPR-50 motor is remarkably quiet so you’re not always audibly reminded what you’re riding, either. There is a whir that grows proportionally louder with pedaling cadence, but even at its loudest, you can barely make it out from the hum of your tires. At higher speeds, it’s drowned out entirely by wind noise. It’s easy to forget about it.

About that speed cutoff

As I mentioned earlier, your experience on an e-road bike will vary greatly depending on where you’re riding it (or perhaps more specifically, where you’ve purchased it). Although I found the Domane+ to be incredibly entertaining, it would have been very different had the motor cut out at 25 km/h as it would in Europe. There, the Domane+ would still be a blast when climbing, or perhaps more as a dedicated light-duty gravel rig with those 40 mm-wide tires. However, I’m not sure how much fun it’d be otherwise (and I know CyclingTips senior tech editor Dave Rome agrees on this one ).

Kudos to Trek and TQ for so thoroughly engineering the motor assist cutoff when you do bump up against that mandated speed limit. Unlike many other e-bikes I’ve ridden, the power drops off gently and seamlessly, rather than feeling so abrupt that you wonder if a wire has suddenly come loose. 

But even then, the 25 km/h cutoff that much of the world would see on this thing also severely cuts into its utility. It’s virtually guaranteed that someone riding a Domane+ wouldn’t be able to enjoy a bunch ride with friends since they’d essentially be dragging an ineffective anchor all the time, and even more gradual climbs would likely be frustrating as the motor continually cuts in and out. It’d still be a boon for longer climbs if you’re ok with taking it a bit slower, and certainly on steeper ones. But aside from that, I’d urge anyone considering their first e-road bike purchase to seriously ponder the effects of that speed limit. 

What about the non-motorized bits?

Handling mostly feels like the regular Domane (and you can expect a review of the new non-powered Domane SLR from me shortly, too), although there are some caveats. I find it interesting that Trek equips the Domane+ models with such a broad spread in tire sizes, as it does affect the steering. I first tried my test bike with the stock 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires, and it was… ok. The steering felt heavy off-center, and the bike wasn’t nearly as eager to initiate turns as I would have expected. But when I switched to 35 mm-wide Schwalbe G-One RS tires, the handling instantly became much more natural, easily diving into turns and flowing through corners as it should. 

Switching tires also highlighted another downside. Although the stock Bontrager gravel tires are quite grippy on hardpack and tarmac, they’re also surprisingly slow-rolling. With those Schwalbes installed, the bike felt much faster and alive (and I’m sure there’s a positive impact on battery range, too). 

Ride quality improved with the tire change, too, but it still couldn’t completely mask the imbalance between the front and rear ends. Trek’s IsoSpeed feature continues to work brilliantly, offering an incredibly smooth and compliant feel that (at least for me) never feels overly bouncing or intrusive. But even with the bigger Bontragers fitted, the front end is dramatically stiffer. Even medium-sized impacts jar your hands, and trying to attack washboard sections of packed dirt is absolutely brutal. My guess is the massively oversized down tube has a lot to do with this, which is something I’ve noticed on other e-bikes with similar proportions. 

There are some other quirks, too.

One of the TQ display screens is supposed to separately show your output and that of the motor. The motor figure seems believable enough, but the display of your output seems dramatically low. Granted, I didn’t verify this with a separate power meter, but I know what 200 W feels like, and when I see 150 W on the display, something seems off.

Aside from the tires, I don’t have much to complain about regarding the spec. The 10-44T cassette and 42T chainring offer plenty of range, and shift quality is very good. The jumps between sprockets are still a little bigger than I’d prefer for group road rides, but it’s fine when out solo. And kudos to TQ for powering the rear derailleur directly by the main system battery. It’s clean and convenient, and one less battery to worry about (although that also means if the system is totally, completely dead, you now can’t shift, either). 

The Bontrager finishing kit is generally excellent. The snub-nosed Verse Pro saddle is comfy, the Aeolus RSL 37V wide-format carbon wheels are fantastic, and kudos to whoever at Trek specified this wonderfully grippy and squishy bar tape. But the handlebar underneath that tape? I’m sure someone likes it, but it’s definitely not my cup of tea. The short reach and deep drop are an odd combo, and I was never able to find a remotely comfortable position for my hands in the drops. Thankfully, Trek’s solution for concealed cabling allows you to use any bar with a 31.8 mm clamp diameter.

Super fun, but keep the limitations in mind

Trek’s move to the TQ motor platform is interesting, if for no other reason than its longstanding relationships with other (and much better established) motor suppliers. However, the company clearly sees advantages in what the TQ HPR-50 provides, and after riding it myself, it’s hard to argue with Trek’s decision: it looks better, it’s quieter, and while TQ’s long-term reliability still needs to be proven, the simpler mechanical layout at least bodes well since there’s less to go wrong in there.

As promised, the Domane+ does feel a lot like a regular road bike in a lot of ways, and it’s undeniably fun to ride. But as I mentioned earlier, the experience will vary greatly with where you’re riding it. Although I found the bike incredibly entertaining, it would have been very different had the motor cut out at 25 km/h as it would in Europe. There, the Domane+ would still be a blast when climbing, but I’m not sure how much fun it’d be otherwise.

Either way, those looking for the more visceral thrills of a full-powered e-road bike won’t be blown away by the TQ motor’s modest specifications, but if you’re after more of a traditional feel with a little bit of a boost – and live in the right country – this seems like a bike well worth considering. 

More information can be found at www.trekbikes.com .

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Trek Powerfly 5 Review

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When it comes to hardtail electric mountain bikes there’s an awful lot of choice (if they’re in stock) from the big-name manufacturers. When one of my friends called me last week to say he’d brought a Trek, I was eager to try it out. In this Trek Powerfly 5 review, I will take a closer look at the specifications and share with you my opinions after spending a couple of hours with it on Bodmin Moor .

Introduction

Trek’s mountain bike heritage goes back to 1983 when they released the 850 – fast forward 28 years and they have a comprehensive range of high-end e-MTBs ranging in price from just over £2500 to up to an eye-watering £11500.

At £3750 the Trek Powerfly 5 sits at the upper end of their hardtail range and benefits from the latest Bosch Performance Line CX motor with a 625Wh battery. The Powerfly 5 also boasts Rockshox forks and SRAM Eagle SX 12-speed drivetrain.

My friend had been talking about upgrading his Cube Acid hardtail e-MTB for some time and we’d previously discussed the merits of the Trek. He recently took the plunge and purchased the bike reviewed here.

First impressions

The first thing that struck me about the Trek Powerfly 5 was how stunning the paintwork finish is – it’s a gorgeous bike in the ‘slate/volt’ colour scheme. Mind you, you’d expect nothing short of this on an e-bike costing more than a decent second-hand car!

Although the 17″ frame was a bit on the short side for me, with the seat post properly adjusted it felt quite comfortable. My friend paid an extra £200 to have the optional Bontrager dropper seat post fitted, which is a must if you’re going to be tackling the trails.

Riding some rock-strewn single track the Trek feels sure-footed. For an older rider like me, the Powerfly 5 inspires confidence (maybe a bit too much) and is great fun to ride. Where this e-bike comes into its own is when the trail turns upwards – it’s not the first Bosch CX I’ve experienced but this motor never fails to impress me with its 85Nm of torque. Riding up steep tracks is helped even further by the trail-busting SRAM Eagle 11-50 12-speed rear cassette, meaning you never run out of gears.

Although my ride was fairly brief I was thoroughly impressed with the off-road abilities of the Trek, it’s a great all-around package suitable for beginners, intermediate or the older more experienced cyclist who’s returning to mountain biking after a long break. Below I will go into more detail on the components.

Check out the 2023 Powerfly 5 from Trek

Electric components

The high-end mountain bike world is dominated by either the Bosch CX or Shimano Steps E8000 / EP8 of Brose motors. It’s good that manufacturers recognised the demand for a greater battery range and the Trek Powerfly 5 comes with the Bosch 625Wh power tube battery which is neatly integrated into the frame.

Bosch Performance Line CX

The Bosch Performance Line CX motor benefits from several upgrades over the previous model, most notably the 85Nm torque output offering the rider up to 340% assistance.

There’s the new Extended Boost mode which makes negotiating rocks and exposed roots on the trail much easier, particularly uphill. This means the bike can be manoeuvred with greater agility on technical sections.

Revised e-MTB mode – This ensures the rider is well-prepared for whatever situation the trail has in store. New sensor and motor control functions give mountain bikers a much wider range of dynamic and natural support.

The Bosch motor is smooth and the whine from the motor is quiet and not intrusive. Performance is as good as you will find on a road-legal e-MTB and it adds a whole new dimension of fun when riding off-road.

625Wh Powertube battery

I first rode an e-bike with a 625Wh battery at the end of 2019 and having the extra capacity will ensure riders can spend more time enjoying the trails. The range will depend on lots of different variables but 50 miles should be achievable when riding off-road – check out the Bosch range calculator for a rough estimate of battery range from the 625Wh battery.

Bike components

Quality components are a must on electric mountain bikes at this price point and the Trek Powerfly 5 doesn’t disappoint. I have gone into more detail on the specification below.

The gearing is comprised of an SRAM Eagle single-click 12-speed shifter with an NX Eagle rear derailleur and 11-50 cassette – as the Bosch uses an ISIS-type crank interface, an SRAM X1 crankset is fitted. The drivetrain is finished off with a high-quality SRAM SX Eagle chain.

Braking is provided by the excellent Shimano MT-420 4-pot calipers with 203mm brake rotors – as expected these brakes work well and will provide more than enough stopping power for most riders. I found them to be excellent, and you only need to use one finger for braking.

If found the 120mm Rockshox Recon RL suspension forks worked very well indeed. Although they are at the lower end of Rockshox forks they feature trickle-down technology from more expensive forks and feature Motion Control™ damping which features low-speed compression adjustment to lockout.

Wheels and tyres

The wheelset is a disc-specific Bontrager Kovee Comp 23 with Boost 110, 15 mm thru axle at the front and a Boost 148, 12 mm thru axle at the rear. Tyres are Bontrager XR3 Comp, wire bead, 30 tpi, 29×2.30″ which seemed to handle the damp moorland trails very well. If you wish to upgrade to a tubeless set-up these wheels are tubeless-ready. The hub is a standard 9/10 speed Shimano freehub.

Frame and finishing kit

For the frame Trek use their Alpha Platinum Aluminium which is their premium lightweight aluminium designed for maximum strength and minimum weight. As I’ve mentioned above the finish is exquisite and looks incredibly hard to wear.  The frame also benefits from internal routing for lights (should you choose to fit them) and a direct kickstand mount.

All of the finishing kits are all by Trek’s in-house brand Bontrager which is of excellent quality. This bike also had the optional Bontrager Line Dropper seat post fitted which costs an additional £199.99.

If I was in the market for a capable hardtail electric mountain bike I’d be very tempted by the Trek Powerfly 5. It’s great fun to ride and feels very capable on a rough single track – the handling inspires confidence and that Bosch motor is the icing on the cake!

There are cheaper options available and if you’re new to electric mountain biking you may not want to spend quite so much on your first purchase.

Having said that, if I had the money to spend on a nice hardtail e-MTB the Trek would certainly be on my shortlist. Other plus points are the excellent brakes, SRAM 1 x 12 gearing and the 625Wh battery.

My friend has brought this e-bike with the intention of keeping it for a good few years and I’ll post any relevant updates here.

Thanks for reading and if you have any questions or comments please leave them below.

Meet Tony, a passionate e-bike advocate and enthusiast who discovered the life-changing benefits of electric bikes back in 2016. Tony’s technical experience within the e-bike field was gained while running a successful electric bike conversion business for 5 years in his home county of Cornwall, UK.

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Witam czy ktoś ze znajomych posiada instrukcję obsługi tego roweru w języku polskim

Thanks for the review, even though I discovered this after buying my Powerfly 5, I still found it useful and relatable. I picked mine up in November and have given it a good testing over the winter months – what a brilliant bike! Even though I could have spent less for a Cube reaction, which I almost did. I’m glad I spent more on this. The only issues I have encountered are tyre pressures since going tubeless, but I think that’s more the tape inside rather than the rims thenself.

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Here are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in September 2024

I’ve spent countless hours here at Electrek doing detailed hands-on testing of hundreds of electric bikes. Through thousands of miles of riding, I’ve been fortunate to learn these e-bikes inside and out, top to bottom and front to back. That long term experience with real-world e-bike testing has helped me find the best electric bicycles on the market for just about any budget.

Below are some of the top e-bikes I’ve hand-tested for every price range, current as of September 2024. Summer may be heading towards the rearview mirror, but that just means there are some great sales! Just like the ultra-competitive e-bike selling year last year, 2024 has still made itself known as the year of the e-bike sales. So check out the awesome e-bikes below, any one of which could become your next electric bike.

This list is divided into several price ranges. We’ll start with the best e-bikes under $1,000, then move on to the under-$2,000 category, under-$3,000 category, etc. The goal is to highlight some of my favorite models in various budget ranges to help you make the right decision based on your needs and budget.

Best electric bikes under $1,000

The sub-$1,000 electric bike category is critical for a few reasons.

First, it’s pretty hard to produce a quality e-bike and sell it for under $1k. Most of the options in this price category make too many sacrifices in quality or longevity to earn a spot on this list as one of “the best.”

Second, many newcomers to the e-bike industry just aren’t prepared to drop several thousand dollars on a brand-new concept, making this price range critical for many first-time e-bike shoppers.

Fortunately, we’ve found some excellent options for cheap electric bikes that can still save you some serious dough.

Lectric XP LITE 2.0

The Lectric XP LITE 2.0 was recently updated and is now quite likely the king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes.

For years, the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 has reigned supreme in the budget electric bike category. That’s still a great bike, and we’ll discuss it next, but the more affordable $799 Lectric XP LITE 2.0 is an even more wallet-friendly electric bike.

That new e-bike offers some great riding at under 800 bucks.

It’s a throttle-enabled Class 2 folding electric bike with 20″ wheels, a max speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a motor rated for 300W continuous and 819W peak. It’s not going to be the strongest hill climber, but it does get going quickly on flat and modestly hilly terrain.

And the biggest upgrades include hydraulic disc brakes as well as an optional Gates carbon belt drive system for an extra $100. Riders can also opt for a nearly double-sized battery for an extra $200.

This is the only e-bike in this price range that I know of with a 48V electrical system. All the other budget e-bikes under $800 use a 36V system and thus suffer from weaker power.

There are some things that you give up with this model, such as that the fenders aren’t included free. But for just $799 , you’re still getting built-in lights, a hidden battery, large color LCD display and a lightweight folder. Plus it comes in five color options.

There’s a lot of value there!

Lectric XP LITE 2.0 quick specs

• Motor:  300W (819W peak) geared rear hub motor
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph)
• Range:  Claimed up to 72 km (45 mi) or 130 km (80 mi) with long range battery)
• Battery:  48V 7.8 Ah (375 Wh)
• Weight : 22 kg (49 lb)
• Price :  $799  

Lectric XP 3.0

If you like the idea of a low-cost US-based company like Lectric eBikes but want something with more power than their XP LITE, consider the $999 Lectric XP 3.0 . The XP 3.0 is the newest version of America’s best-selling electric bike, and now it’s even better with hydraulic disc brakes! In my opinion, this is the current king of bang-for-your-buck electric bikes right now. It’s clear why this is the best-selling electric bike in the US.

Between the fast 28 mph speed, comfortable ride with front suspension, nimble yet thick three-inch tires, and the powerful 1,000W peak-rated motor, the bike combines high performance with an awesome price. The new version comes with a higher power motor featuring more torque, a new rear rack that can support 150 pounds (and has a passenger package option for carrying a friend), has longer travel suspension, and several other key upgrades.

There are both step-over and step-through frames available. To be honest, the frame member is low on both of them and so they’re both easy to mount, but I actually prefer the step-through. Even though low-step bikes are often considered to be “women’s bikes,” the Lectric XP 3.0 looks badass enough that no one would ever think of calling the step-through option a ladies’ bike. It’s just a more comfortable way to hop on and off.

Plus, the folding frame of the Lectric XP 3.0 means you can bring this high-value e-bike with you in a car or truck. I know several people who keep one in their RV, and I’ve even heard of folks traveling with it on their boat or light airplane.

The company also has longer-range batteries for the XP 3.0 that add 45% more range. If you’re the kind of person who likes to ride fast, that battery will help you use that power for longer rides at higher speeds.

It’s hard to find a better combination of low cost and high performance anywhere in the e-bike market right now. That’s why this is the bike I used when I worked undercover as an e-bike delivery rider .

Check out my first ride experience on the Lectric XP 3.0 here .

Lectric XP 3.0 quick specs

• Motor:  500W (850W peak) geared rear hub motor
• Top speed:  45 km/h (28 mph)
• Range:  Claimed up to 72 km (45 mi), but less if you’re heavy on the throttle
• Battery:  48V 9.6 Ah (460 Wh), or larger 14Ah battery available
• Weight : 29 kg (64 lb)
• Price :  $999  

Ride1Up Portola

When Ride1Up launched the Portola , it was pretty obvious what the game plan was: fire a shot across Lectric Ebike’s bow with a direct competitor to the Lectric XP 3.0. By all accounts, Ride1Up nailed it with an impressive competitor, the best-selling e-bike out there.

The Ride1Up Portola has a lot more going for it than just the awesome price of $995 . The bike has great performance with a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) and great components including hydraulic disc brakes, front suspension, a built-in rear rack, and a 750W motor.

There are two battery options available, either a 48V 10.4Ah or a 48V 13.4Ah, and the larger battery only costs an extra $100.

I love the sleek-looking frame and apparently, I’m not alone. Those who are on the hunt for a good-looking folding fat tire e-bike that doesn’t break the bank will likely find this to be one of the more fashionable options.

Ride1Up Portola quick specs

• Motor:  750W geared rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 10.4 Ah (504 Wh), or larger 48V 13.4 Ah battery available
• Weight : 27.2 kg (60 lb)
• Price :  $995  

Propella Mini

The $849 Propella Mini almost looks a bit odd at first glance, but the quirky proportions result in a super nimble and lightweight e-bike.

It’s not particularly fast at just 18 mph. And it’s also a pedal-assist e-bike, meaning you don’t have a throttle for the days when you feel lazy. But for anyone that doesn’t mind pedaling as long as you get a decent electric boost, the Propella Mini is a great option for you.

I love the bright blue rims, white chain, and slim black frame. The look is killer. And the bike rides both smoothly and efficiently. There’s no suspension to speak of, but the upside is there’s no suspension fork to break. The bike should last a long time with modest upkeep, and it’s a definite winner for anyone that’s low on space.

See my full review of the Propella Mini here .

Propella Mini quick specs

• Motor:  250 W (400 W peak) Bafang rear geared hub motor
• Top speed:  30 km/h (18.5 mph)
• Range:  32-56 km (20-35 mi) depending on pedal assist level
• Battery:  36V 7Ah (250 Wh)
• Price:  $849
• Weight : 14.9 kg (33 lb)

JackRabbit micro e-bike

The $999 JackRabbit OG is in one of these fuzzy areas between e-bikes and other e-rideables. In this case, it straddles the line between an electric bike and an electric scooter.

It more or less feels like an electric bike based on its ride geometry. However, the lack of pedals means that it could also be classified as an electric scooter, albeit a large-wheeled e-scooter.

But with those 20-inch wheels and bicycle seat, the JackRabbit rides much more like a small folding e-bike than an e-scooter. And its electronics match that of a light e-bike too.

The 300W motor gets the little runabout up to 20 mph (32 km/h). The small 158 Wh battery only offers around 10-12 miles (approximately 16-20 km) of range, but is also conveniently small enough to easily keep a spare battery in a cargo pocket or even a small purse.

The biggest benefit of the JackRabbit is that it is so simple that the lack of frills keeps the weight down to just 23 lb (10.5 kg)! For an e-bike, that’s almost so light that it floats.

The company also released a higher power and larger battery capacity version too , which might be good for riders who want to push harder and go farther. For those that want to see a few more upgrades on this minimalist e-bike, the JackRabbit OG2 and XG might be more your size.

See my full review of the JackRabbit here .

JackRabbit quick specs

• Motor:  300W geared rear hub motor
• Range:  20 km (12 mi)
• Bike weight:  10.5 kg (23 lb.)
• Brakes:  Rear mechanical disc brake

Best electric bikes under $2,000

Once you bump up above the $1,000 limit, you start to see many more great options for e-bikes in a wide range of categories.

From electric cargo bikes to cruisers and even electric mopeds, there’s something for everyone in this price range.

Lectric One

The Lectric ONE is listed in the “Best under $2,000” category, but in many ways, it’s the best in under a significantly higher dollar value. To put it into perspective, it’d be hard to buy the gearbox alone on this bike for under $2,000, and yet that’s the price tag of the entire bike! For just $1,999 , you’re getting an e-bike with components normally found on $10,000+ bikes.

The Lectric One was unveiled as a lightweight commuter e-bike designed with an ultra high-end drivetrain based around the Pinion C1.6i auto-shifting gearbox. Paired with a Gates carbon belt drive and a true 750W-rated Stealth M24 motor (with 1,300 peak watts!), the Lectric ONE hits class 3 speeds in style with some extra premium components.

Lectric ONE quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear hub motor (1.3 kW peak)
• Battery:  48V 10.4 or 14Ah (500Wh or 672 Wh)
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h)
• Range:  up to 75 miles (120 km)
• Weight:  55 lb (25 kg)
• Price:   $1,999

Lectric XPedition

We were the first to review this new model and we called it a runaway hit right from the start. With heavy-hauling weight capacity, the option for one or two batteries for extra long range, hydraulic disc brakes and a watt-based more comfortable feeling pedal assist sensor, this e-bike is dragging electric cargo bikes into the future.

The $1,399 Lectric XPedition has turned the electric cargo bike market upside down, finally bringing a heavy-hitting cargo e-bike to market for an ultra-affordable price.

While it’s not the nicest cargo e-bike on the market, it’s definitely the best bang for your buck thanks to a combination of high value parts and reasonable pricing.

Lectric XPedition quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear hub motor
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672 Wh) with the option for a second battery
• Weight:  68 lb (31 kg)
• Price:   $1,399

Rad Power Bikes RadKick

The RadKick is Rad’s most recently unveiled budget e-bike and is a return to form for the company that got its start as a budget-minded e-bike brand.

The RadKick is designed with minimalism in mind, yet still offers a number of great features. Available in both a 7-speed version ( $1,399 ) and a single-speed belt-drive version ( $1,199 ), the RadKick is great for those that want a fairly lightweight e-bike for a great price.

You give up a bit of power and range compared to Rad’s other models with more battery capacity and higher power motors, but you get a lot of value in return. The bike features a torque sensor for great performing pedal assist, hydraulic brakes for smooth and maintenance-free braking, included rack and fenders, LED lighting, a color LCD display, right-side half-twist throttle, SafeShield potted battery from Rad (UL-compliant and designed to be fireproof), and is compatible with a wide range of Rad accessories.

To be honest, this is the e-bike that I’ve been waiting for Rad to launch.

• Motor:  500W rear hub motor
• Battery:  36V 10Ah (360 Wh)
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h)
• Range:  Up to 35 miles (56 km)
• Price: $1,199 to $1,399

Aventon Soltera.2

The $1,399 Aventon Soltera.2 is the latest version of Aventon’s beautiful city bike that offers some of the best quality fabrication that I’ve seen in this price range – or even in higher price ranges. It is offered in either a single-speed or seven-speed format.

The bike rolls on narrow tires for that efficient city ride, while still packing in a 500W motor.

The battery is a bit smaller at 36V and 10Ah, but the bike makes up for a smaller battery by being able to integrate it into the frame in a sleek and attractive package.

The beautiful color display also adds to the bike’s charm, as do the powerful headlight and frame-integrated tail light. There’s even an awesome companion app that lets your phone track your bike’s important stats. Basically, you’re getting a lot for $1,199 here!

Check out my in-depth Aventon Soltera.2 review here .

Aventon Soltera.2 quick specs:

• Motor:  500W peak-rated rear hub motor
• Range:  20-63 miles (32-101 km)
• Weight:  46 lb (21 kg)
• Price:   $1,199

Ride1Up Turris

Ride1Up has proven itself as a high-value electric bike brand, focusing largely on efficient and speedy commuter e-bikes. While the company has many models in the $1,000 to $2,000 range, the $1,095 Ride1Up Turris (at it’s current sale price ) is one of the best bang-for-your-buck options.

A powerful 750W continuous-rated motor gets the bike up to Class 3 speeds that will have you keeping up with traffic or even passing cars when they get bogged down in the city. That extra speed over most class 2 e-bikes can be quite useful when riding on the side of the road trying to reduce the number of times a car whizzes by you. Even when riding alone or in a protected path away from cars, the extra speed sure makes for a fun ride.

The sporty tires and two choices of frame style (step over or step through) give riders plenty of options to use this bike on the trails or the streets. I love that it includes full metal fenders as well so you don’t have to spend extra on those. I’d definitely recommend spending an extra $50 for the rear rack though if you plan to use the bike as a commuter, since you never know when you’ll need to toss something on the back.

If you want to upgrade to more power and a nicer set of components, the $1,695 700 Series is worth a look. But I think the Ride1Up Turris is sufficient for most riders.

Ride1Up Turris quick specs:

• Range:  32-64 km (20-40 mi) throttle vs. pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 12.8Ah (614 Wh) with genuine LG cells
• Weight : 25 kg (55 lb)
• Price :  $1,095

Lectric XPeak

Lectric Ebikes recently expanded into larger territory with the launch of the new Lectric XPeak. It’s the company’s first e-bike with a larger than 20″ wheel size, bringing some chunky 26×4.0″ tires into the company’s inventory.

The XPeak takes the form of a typical adventure-style fat tire electric bike. It features a hardtail design with a suspension fork, high volume tires, hydraulic disc brakes and a relatively large battery that is certified by the Swiss testing agency SGS to meet UL 2849 standards.

The bike is also tested to higher standards for ruggedness of the frame and fork than most e-bikes in this price range, meaning it’s likely going to last longer too. As far as fat tire adventure-style e-bikes go, there’s no better bang for your buck than the Lectric XPeak.

Lectric XPeak quick specs:

• Motor:  750W (1,300W peak)
• Range:  Up to 75 km (45 mi) on low power
• Battery:  48V 14 Ah (672 Wh)
• Weight : 39.4 kg (67 lb)
• Price : $1,299 (may increase to $1,399 after promotional sale ends)

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser

The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is Ride1Up’s first non-purely commuter electric bike, and boy did they knock it out of the park on this one. Plus, at its current crazy-good sale price of US $1,095 , this is an unimaginable steal!

The Cafe Cruiser, as its name suggests, is part cruiser bike, part fast motorbike.

The cruiser bars, suspension fork, comfortable seat and pedal-forward geometry make it a pleasure to ride. The high-performance 750W hub motor and 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed make it a blast for quick errand running and fun commutes.

High-quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes complete the package, and the included fenders and rear rack increase the bike’s value.

One of the coolest features though is the passenger package that adds a rear bench seat, wheel skirt, and foot pegs, so you can carry a second rider on back. The second seat has a quick release so you can easily pop it on and off the bike whenever you need to swap back and forth between carrying your friends or a basket full of groceries home.

At just $1,595 , the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser is priced way below fair market value, which makes this an absolute steal of a deal.

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser quick specs:

• Motor:  750W rear geared hub motor
• Range:  50-80 km (30-50 mi)
• Battery:  48V 15Ah (720 Wh)
• Weight : 29 kg (65 lb)
• Price : $1,095

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner

The RadRunner from Rad Power Bikes has been an industry favorite ever since it was first announced back in 2019. The company is actually on the RadRunner 2 now, but the update only made minor changes since the original was already so well-designed.

The bike uses a step-through moped-style frame to create a short utility bike or mini cargo e-bike. It’s quick up to the 20 mph top speed and offers a ton of uses. When outfitted with the Passenger Package , it has a seat and footpegs that let you carry kids or adults on the back, turning this into a multi-passenger e-bike.

The high-capacity battery and powerful motor also make for sprightly acceleration and longer than average rides, so you’ll have enough power to ride all day.

The RadRunner is truly one of those do-anything e-bikes because it has so many uses. The same bike can be used for fun recreational riding, city commuting, trail riding, or grocery shopping. There’s something for everyone.

There’s even an upgraded version known as the RadRunner Plus, which adds suspension, a seven-speed transmission, a more detailed display, and the passenger package, though the RadRunner Plus costs a bit more at $1,899 .

Check out my complete review of the RadRunner 2 here .

RadRunner 2 quick specs:

• Range:  45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on user input
• Battery:  48V 14Ah (672 Wh)
• Weight : 29.5 kg (65 lb)
• Price : $1,399

Electric Bike Company Model Y

Electric Bike Company is one of the only e-bike manufacturers that actually builds its electric bikes in the US from the ground up.

They start with bare frames and perform the entire build locally with highly trained e-bike technicians. That also allows them to offer more customization options than any other e-bike company out there.

The $1,949 Model Y is a step-through cruiser e-bike with a hidden battery in the front basket. It offers fast speeds up to 28 mph and high-quality parts like hydraulic disc brakes and top-end hardware. The color screen and leather accents on the seat and bar ends add to the classy look too!

The real treat though is getting to select the custom paint on every surface of the bike, plus your own rim colors, trim colors, and tire options. It’s incredibly customizable to the point where you’re virtually guaranteed to be able to create a truly one-of-a-kind electric bike if you wish.

Check out my full review of the Electric Bike Company Model Y here .

Electric Bike Company Model Y quick specs:

• Motor:  1,000W peak rear geared hub motor
• Range:  Up to 80 km (50 mi) with moderate pedaling
• Battery:  48V with either 9Ah (432 Wh) or 18Ah (864 Wh) options
• Weight : 26 kg (58 lb)
• Price:   $1,949

Velotric Discover 2

Velotric has a number of interesting e-bikes in its lineup, and I’m enjoying testing several of the company’s new models. But one of my favorites so far—thanks to its excellent on-road abilities—has got to be the Velotric Discover 2.

The e-bike isn’t just powerful or surprisingly smooth pedaling, it’s also quite safe. The punchy hydraulic disc brakes offer quick and controlled stops while the UL-certified battery and e-bike systems offer safe operations, removing the worry of dangerous thermal events.

For just $1,899 at its current sale price, riders are getting 15 pedal assist settings, a torque sensor, IPX7 waterproof rating on the battery (meaning the battery can be submerged in water), and robust strength testing that goes above and beyond typical ISO testing for e-bikes. This is an excellent bike for both commuting and pleasure rides, making it a great all-around option!

Check out my full review of the Velotric Discover 2 here .

Velotric Discover 2 quick specs:

• Motor:  1,100W peak rear geared hub motor
• Range:  Up to 120 km (75 mi) on pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 14.7Ah (705.6 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
• Weight : 28.5 kg (63 lb)
• Price:  $1,899

Ride1Up Rift

Ride1Up’s first adventure-style electric bike was a smashing success, helping the San Diego-based electric bike maker enter an entirely new category with a bang.

This fat tire electric bike has a powerful motor, a massive 960Wh battery and an ultra rugged frame with built-in rear rack that can carry heavy cargo or even an adult passenger on back.

With fenders, built-in LED lights and cargo capabilities, the Ride1Up Rift would also make a surprisingly good commuter bike that will traverse pot holes and other rough street imperfections just as well as it handles off-road conditions.

Check out my full review of the Ride1Up Rift XR here .

Ride1Up Rift XR quick specs:

• Motor:  750W continuous-rated rear geared hub motor
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph) on throttle, or 45 km/h (28 mph) on pedal assist
• Range:  Up to 96 km (60 mi) on pedal assist
• Battery:  48V 20Ah (960 Wh) frame-integrated, removable
• Weight : 38 kg (84.5 lb)
• Price:  $1,395

Velotric Packer electric cargo bike

There are a lot of electric cargo bikes on the market, but the Velotric Packer has recently become one of my go-to recommendations for several reasons. It’s fairly priced, has loads of cargo accessories, includes a UL-certified battery, comes in some eye-catching colors, and works well for transporting my three nieces and nephews around with me.

At its sale price of $1,899, this is definitely an electric cargo bike to have on your short list for it’s slick-looking design and great functionality.

Check out my full review of the Velotric Packer here .

• Motor : 750W (1,200W peak) rear-geared hub motor
• Top speed : 20 mph (32 km/h) or 25 mph (40 km/h) when unlocked
• Range : Up to 52 miles (84 km)
• Battery : 48V 15Ah (692 Wh)
• Weight : 75 lb (34 kg)
• Price : $1,899

Best electric bikes from $2,000 to $3,500

By the time you surpass the $2,000 dollar mark, you’re starting to get into serious e-bikes with serious performance or build quality.

If you’re spending this much, you’ll want to ensure you’re buying from a reputable company with top-notch products and service.

Ride1Up Prodigy V2 mid-drive e-bike

The $2,295 Ride1Up Prodigy V2 has brought new meaning to the phrase “low-cost mid-drive electric bike”, updating an already impressive e-bike with a new next-gen setup.

This e-bike sports a high-end German-manufactured Brose mid-drive motor and can hit speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h), yet is price similarly to much cheaper hub motor-based electric bikes.

It’s a perfect commuter e-bike for someone who wants high-quality parts like that German mid-drive motor with 90Nm of torque, hydraulic disc brakes, bright LED lights, included fenders, rear rack, and a very comfortable saddle. Plus there’s a choice between a nice 9-speed chain drive transmission or a fancier Gates Carbon Drive belt setup with an Enviolo continuously variable transmission.

This e-bike is easily worth another $500 more than the price tag, if not more. In fact, you’ll find many of these same components on e-bikes with $3,000-$4,000 price tags all over the place. So if you’re looking for a higher quality e-bike that doesn’t cost as much as a fancy bike shop e-bike, this is the one to consider.

Ride1Up Prodigy quick specs:

• Motor:  Brose TF Sprinter mid-drive
• Range:  30-50 miles (50-80 km)
• Battery:  36V 14Ah (504Wh)
• Weight : 58 lb (26 kg)
• Price :  $2,395

Juiced Scorpion X

The $2,199 Juiced Scorpion X has all the old-school charm of a vintage moped, but it adds back in a powerful electric drivetrain. It also has awesome-looking cast wheels that remove the issue of spoke maintenance, plus add to the cool stance.

The bench seat allows riders to scoot forward or backward to find the best seating position, and the tall bars give a fun cruiser/motorcycle feel to the bike. With full suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a built-in rear rack/fenders, there are a lot of nice parts on the Scorpion X

A powerful throttle lets you blast up to 20 mph, or engaging the pedal assist can take you even faster to 28 mph. And Juiced offers a larger battery than most competitors, letting you ride this moto-styled e-bike even further.

Check out my in-depth review of the Juiced Scorpion X here .

Juiced Scorpion X quick specs:

• Motor:  750W “nominal” (claimed 1.8 kW peak) RetroBlade rear hub motor
• Range:  Up to 55 miles (88 km) on pedal-assist or closer to half that on throttle
• Battery:  52V 15Ah 780Wh (removable and lockable)
• Weight : 100 lb (45 kg)
• Price : $2,199

Priority Current

I love the $3,299 Priority Current electric bike so much that it has become one of my daily riders. It’s the one I grab when I’m doing city riding and I know I want to be pedaling.

Becuase it doesn’t have a throttle, you’ll need to enjoy pedaling in order to enjoy this e-bike. But it makes it so much fun to pedal thanks to a torque sensor-based pedal assist that provides natural feeling assistance up to a fast 28 mph top speed.

The internally geared rear hub combined with a Gates belt drive system and powerful hydraulic disc brakes make this a very nice e-bike for the price. Plus that mid-drive motor offers tons of torque for climbing hills or accelerating quickly.

I’m also a fan of the built-in lights and included fenders, not to mention the integrated high-capacity battery that disappears in the frame.

Mid-drive electric bikes aren’t cheap, but the price is definitely a fair one for this e-bike.

Check out my full review of the Priority Current here . I also recently reviewed the Shimano 5-speed version of this e-bike, which you can find here .

Priority Current quick specs :

• Motor:  500W mid-drive motor with torque sensor
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h) user-selectable
• Range:  30-60 miles (48-96 km)
• Battery:  500 Wh frame-integrated battery
• Weight : 24 kg (53 lb)
• Price: $3,299

Ride1Up CF Racer1

I’m not normally a carbon fiber, drop bar, race bike kind of guy. But then again, that’s usually because those types of bikes are way out of my price range… until now.

The Ride1Up CF Racer1 brings carbon fiber road e-bikes to the common man, offering both a traditional road bike and a gravel bike edition.

At under 29 lb (13 kg), these e-bikes are some of the lightest around. I picked one up with my index finger and was shocked at how easily it left the ground.

To get there, that meant a relatively low-power motor and a smaller battery were required. But for the folks that ride these types of bikes, a big motor and heavy battery probably aren’t on their wishlist anyway. Instead, a simple extra boost, as if you’ve always got a tailwind, helps augment your own pedaling.

For just $2,295 , there’s no better deal out there for a budget-friendly carbon fiber road e-bike.

Ride1Up CF Racer1 quick specs

• Motor:  250W 42 Nm torque
• Top speed:  28 mph (45 km/h) on pedal assist
• Range:  16-40 miles (26-64 km)
• Battery:  252 Wh frame-integrated battery
• Weight : 12.9 kg (28.6 lb)
• Price: $2,295

Ride1Up REVV1 FS

This full-suspension electric moped-style e-bike is a masterclass in high performance electric bike design. Sure, it’s an obvious SUPER73 imitation, but it’s a really well done imitation.

It handles well, it’s got great rubber between you and the road, the suspension gives a comfortable ride, and it’s got plenty of extra power.

Despite the 750W label, the e-bike can be unlocked to make use of nearly 1,500W of peak power. I was able to reach a top speed of 37 mph (59.5 km/h) during my testing (not on public streets!).

But the bike ships in Class 2 mode with a 750W limit and 20 mph (32 km/h) maximum speed, meaning you’ll have to contact the company to request an unlock for the bike to be used above Class 2 speeds and power levels.

All in all, the $2,395 Ride1Up REVV1 FS is an amazing e-bike for anyone who wants a moped-style ride with full-suspension, high quality 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and a design that rides almost like a motorcycle, yet in a bike form factor.

Check out my complete Ride1Up REVV1 FS review here .

Ride1Up REVV1 quick specs:

• Motor:  Bafang 750W continuous hub motor
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) out of the box, 37 mph (59.5 km/h) when unlocked
• Battery:  52V 20Ah (1,040 Wh)
• Weight:  93 lb (42 kg)
• Price: $2,395

Tern Quick Haul

The Tern Quick Haul is an electric cargo bike from the famed cargo e-bike company Tern. It holds the distinction of being the most affordable model in Tern’s lineup.

That says a lot, because Tern is known for its high quality e-bikes that are built to be ridden every day for real world errands, carpool duty and more. These e-bikes are meant to replace cars, and they do just that for many riders. With a huge list of accessories, you can outfit a Quick Haul for just about any job.

The Tern Quick Haul features a mid-drive Bosch motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Tern’s vertical parking rack, and a relatively lightweight but high utility design that is meant to carry just about anything in your life.

We had the chance to test a pair of Quick Hauls at Eurobike in Frankfurt last year, which you can learn more about here.

Motor:  Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) with pedal assist (no throttle) Range:  Up to 60 miles (96 km), less when riding in highest power Battery:  400Wh, removable/lockable Weight:  50 lb (22.8 kg) Price : $2,999

Ariel Rider X-Class

When it comes to fast, powerful electric mopeds on a budget, it’s hard to compete with the $2,399 Ariel Rider X-Class . This is the e-bike I usually recommend when someone simply wants the most power and speed for the least amount of money.

The impressive performance comes from a powerful 1,000W motor that actually puts out closer to 2,000W of peak power. It can be limited to 20 mph if you’d like, but I got it up to 36 mph in unlimited mode.

The bike rolls on 20″ moto-style wheels and comes with nice parts including hydraulic disc brakes, a bench seat, dual suspension, and a big moto-style headlight.

You can see my full review of the Ariel Rider 52V X-Class here .

• Motor:  1,000W (2,000W peak) rear hub motor
• Top speed:  36 mph (58 km/h), but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Range:  Up to 75 miles (120 km), less when riding at top speed
• Battery:  52V 18Ah (936 Wh), removable/lockable
• Weight:  80 lb (36 kg)
• Price : $2,399

Rad Power Bikes Rad Rover 6 Plus with accessories

Technically the Rad Rover 6 Plus is priced at $1,599 . And with its free shipping, it comes in under the $2k mark. But I’m including it in the $2k-$3k category because you’re going to want to add a couple of important accessories to this one.

Rad Power Bikes has one of the widest arrays of e-bike accessories on the planet . In fact, it might have THE widest selection. And I’d highly recommend adding the rear rack ($79) to the RadRover 6 Plus, at the very least. It simply adds even more utility and turns an adventure bike into an adventure/hauling bike.

Accessories aside, the RadRover 6 Plus is an awesome ride and packs in some real value. It is the highest-spec e-bike in Rad’s lineup and includes hydraulic disc brakes, redesigned suspension fork, an upgraded frame with a new semi-integrated battery, new displays that are easier to read and use, and so much more.

This is absolutely an e-bike that is worth checking out for anyone that does adventure-style riding and needs big tires combined with high power, and who wants the support and comfort provided by going with North America’s largest e-bike company.

Check out my full RadRover 6 Plus review here .

RadRover 6 Plus quick specs:

• Range:  45-72 km (25-45 mi) depending on throttle or pedal assist
• Weight:  33.3 kg (73.4 lb)
• Price:   $1,599

Best electric bikes from $3,500 to $5,000

Above $3.5k, you’re entering some seriously dedicated e-bike territory.

These e-bikes either feature top-shelf components like drivetrain and brake parts, or pack in so much power that they couldn’t possibly be priced any lower.

Either way, you’re not in Kansas anymore. You’re heading down the e-bike rabbit hole.

Tern is renowned for building high-quality electric bikes that double down on utility features. The newly updated Tern HSD is the company’s more affordable utility e-bike, offering many features you’ll find on its higher end GSD but at a price that more riders can stomach.

The HSD uses small 20″ wheels and includes a folding stem, making it nice and compact. But taking it one step further, Tern outfitted it with its innovative rack that lets you park the bike on its tail, meaning it takes up barely more space than a coat rack in the corner of a room.

The bike’s Bosch mid-drive and high capacity batteries provide a high-end e-bike drive, and they are matched with a variety of performance drivetrain options that you can select from, depending on how high you want to spec the bike.

Whether you’re ferrying around kids or buying a week’s worth of groceries, the HSD is a solid option.

Check out my detailed first ride experience on the Tern HSD here .

Tern HSD quick specs:

• Motor:  Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive
• Top speed:  32 km/h (20 mph) with electric assist
• Range:  42-110 km (26-69 mi) depending on pedal input
• Battery:  Bosch PowerPack 400 Wh
• Weight : 25.4 kg (55.9 lb)
• Price:  $4,299

CSC FT1000MD

The CSC FT1000MD sounds like a motorcycle name because it comes from a company with motorcycle heritage. CSC Ebikes was born out of CSC Motorcycles, a company with several decades of two-wheeler experience.

The FT1000MD is the company’s highest power option. The fat tire e-bike comes with a 1,000+ watt motor known as the Bafang M620 Ultra. It’s the most powerful and highest torque e-bike mid-drive motor on the retail market. CSC paired it with a big battery, quality suspension, hydraulic brakes, built-in lighting, and more to create a high performance and high-quality adventure e-bike.

I was able to hit speeds of around 34 mph with the motor in unlocked format, though you can limit it to 20 or 28 mph to fit into class 2 and class 3 designations.

Check out my full review of this incredibly powerful e-bike here .

CSC FT1000MD quick specs:

• Motor:  1,000W continuous Bafang M620 mid-drive
• Top speed: 54 km/h (34 mph) when unlocked
• Battery:  48V 16Ah (768Wh) with Samsung 35E cells
• Frame:  6061 aluminum
• Suspension:  Front suspension fork with preload and damping adjustment, plus lockout
• Brakes:  Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors
• Weight : 34 kg (75 lb)
• Price:  $3,299 or save $200 with discount code ELECTREK

Ariel Rider Grizzly

When it comes to all-wheel-drive electric bikes, the $3,299 Ariel Rider Grizzly is one of my favorites.

This incredible e-bike is really more of a small electric motorcycle. It uses two high-power motors – one in each wheel – to offer speeds in the mid-30s and acceleration that will get you there in the blink of an eye.

Full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes make this an e-bike that handles well at any speed, and the bright red paint job looks as aggressive as the e-bike feels. It even comes with footpegs pre-installed so you can carry a passenger with you.

Plus it’s got double batteries to feed those two power-hungry motors, so you’ll be able to ride this e-bike pretty darn far too, as long as you aren’t too demanding from the throttle.

Check out my full in-depth review of the epic Ariel Rider Grizzly e-bike here .

Ariel Rider Grizzly quick specs:

• Motors:  Dual 1,000W continuous hub motors (1,850W peak or 3.7 kW combined)
• Top speed:  36 mph (58 km/h) when unlocked, but can be limited to Class 2 speeds
• Battery:  52V 35Ah (1,820 Wh) between two removable/lockable batteries
• Weight:  105 lb (47.6 kg)

Specialized Turbo Como SL

For more of a cruiser/city e-bike experience, the $4,800 Specialized Turbo Como SL is a great option. This e-bike offers a much more upright ride for a fun, relaxed vibe.

The e-bike features a high-quality mid-drive motor, hydraulic disc brakes, Gates carbon belt drive, and an eight-speed internally geared hub. Those are a lot of nice parts!

And don’t forget the slim fenders, front basket, and cruiser bars that all look super elegant, complimenting the nice lines of the Turbo Como SL.

This may not be a low-cost e-bike, but it definitely offers a ride that makes it worth it.

See my full review of the Specialized Turbo Como SL here .

Specialized Turbo Como SL quick specs:

• Motor:  Custom Specialized SL1.1 mid-drive motor
• Range:  Up to 100 km (62 mi), or 50% more with range extender
• Battery:  Downtube-integrated 320 Wh battery
• Weight : 20.5 kg (45 lb.)
• Price:   $4,800

If you’ve been looking for a high-end trekking electric bike that was built with a combination of high-quality parts and the latest technology, look no further than the $4,550 Greyp T5.

There’s a reason why Porsche bought this e-bike company – it’s simply one of the best.

It uses Greyp’s own in-house developed 700 Wh battery combined with a mid-drive motor to offer a hardtail trekking e-bike. In addition to the awesome bike design, the built-in tech is what really opens people’s eyes. Integrated cameras at the front and rear of the bike can serve as dash cams or livestream your rides. Plus you can capture all of your ride footage on the bike instead of bringing along a Go-Pro camera.

There’s also an app that allows you to take full advantage of the built-in eSIM card, giving you connectivity to the bike and letting you check all your vital stats, find its location, and more – right from your phone.

The bike is truly a high-end offering by itself, but the embedded tech makes it a rarity in any category.

See my first ride review of the Greyp T5 e-bike here .

Best electric bikes above $5,000

You just couldn’t stop, could you? I showed you plenty of awesome e-bikes that didn’t cost most of a paycheck. But you just haaaaaaad to keep going.

Fine, here they are. These are some of the most expensive e-bikes out there that we’ve tested and that I’d actually recommend someone buying, if you can pony up the cash.

GoCycle G4i+

When it comes to ultra-premium folding electric bikes, there’s only one name that comes to my mind: GoCycle. These are the most impressive folding e-bikes I’ve ever seen. And they better be – they were designed by a former McLaren engineer.

Between the carbon fiber work, single-sided wheels, high-tech tires, trippy LED dot display, innovative rear suspension, and completely enclosed drivetrain, there’s a lot of high-end stuff going on here.

The speed will vary from 15-20 mph depending on which country you buy the bike in, but the performance is only part of the equation. The quick folding and light, compact design of the e-bike is the real winner here.

Check out my full review of the GoCycle G4i+ here .

GoCycle G4i+ quick specs:

• Motor:  500W front hub motor
• Top speed:  20 mph (32 km/h) in the US
• Range:  up to 50 miles (80 km)
• Battery:  36V 10.4Ah (375 Wh)
• Weight : 37.2 lb (16.9 kg)
• Price:   $6,999

Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED

Serial 1, the electric bicycle company that spun out of Harley-Davidson, has several awesome electric bike models. While most fall under the $5,000 mark, I’m going to recommend their top of the line model: The $5,599 Serial 1 RUSH/CTY SPEED . If you’re in the market to buy a Serial 1 e-bike, you might as well go for the best.

Like all of Serial 1’s e-bikes, it’s got a great design and ridability. Serial 1 scored top e-bike designers from companies like Trek, so they know how to build an awesome bike with killer geometry. They also brought in the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle engineers to build the custom battery, so it’s top of the line too. Then they used pro parts like the Brose mid-drive and Gates carbon belt drive setup. Basically, it’s an incredible e-bike. And with a 28 mph (45 km/h) top speed plus a huge 706 Wh battery to ride all day, the performance matches the build.

Serial 1 even goes above and beyond with their own custom weight bearing fenders that also happen to be functional racks (both in the front and rear), their own custom designed lights that throw serious illumination up front and give you great rear visibility from dropout-mounted lights, and there’s even a glovebox in the bike!

Basically, there’s a lot to like here. Yes, it’s expensive. But you’re not just paying for the H-D name on the side. It’s actually a high quality, high performance electric bike regardless of the badging.

Check out my full first ride on the various Serial 1 e-bike models here .

Motor:  High torque Brose TF MAG mid-drive motor Top speed (tested):  45 km/h (28 mph) Battery:  706 Wh Serial 1 custom battery Range:  25-115 miles (40-185 km), likely more in the 30-50 miles range with normal riding Weight:  26.7 kg (59 lb) Price:   $5,599

FREY EX Pro electric mountain bike

The FREY EX Pro is a high-end electric mountain bike with crazy high power. It uses the same motor as the CSC FT1000MD we featured above (the Bafang M620 mid-drive), but cranks up the current to provide closer to 1,500W of power.

It’s enough to destroy chains if you aren’t careful. We know. Several of us here at Electrek have done it.

The FREY EX Pro not only features high-end parts like a RockShox Lyric fork and Magura MT5e hydraulic brakes, but it even comes with dual batteries so you can ride farther and stay on the trails longer.

I’ve personally taken this e-bike back UP a downhill mountain bike course – that’s how powerful it is.

It may be expensive, but it saves you several thousand dollars compared to many European electric mountain bikes with similar components but a fraction of the power in the FREY.

See my full review of the FREY EX Pro here .

• Motor:  1 kW continuous, 1.5 kW peak-rated Bafang Ultra mid-drive motor
• Top speed (tested):  59 km/h (36 mph)
• Battery:  Dual 48V 14Ah packs (1,344 Wh total)
• Range:  Varies  considerably  by ride style/terrain, but 30-100 km (20-60 miles) is the ballpark
• Weight:  34 kg (75 lb)
• Price:   $5,580

The Tern GSD improves upon the Tern HSD with even more capability and even nicer components. There are multiple versions that can take you up to nearly $10k, but even the lower-tier versions are not “low tier,” if you know what I mean.

Parts like automatically engaging electric locks, 10-speed Shimano Deore transmissions, Magura MT5e quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes, and more set these e-bikes apart from the rest of the pack.

If you’re getting a Tern GSD, you’re getting a fully qualified car replacement. There are many people that use these instead of buying a second car. When you look at it like that, the price suddenly seems pretty reasonable.

Check out our full review of the Tern GSD here .

• Motor:  Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive
• Range:  42-85 km (26-53 mi) depending on pedal input
• Weight : 33.6 kg (74 lb)
• Price : $5,399

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

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“ Even though you may discount everything I say, because I am not a bike expert, my roommate is a cross country cyclist. ” in 2 reviews

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2808 4th St N

Saint Petersburg, FL 33704

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I am giving this team an 'Average' Yelp score. Why? Because they seem to know what they are doing. Dropped my buddy's bike off with them to get evaluated- figure out what it would take to get it back to road status. They looked it over and had opinions - but it was going to take them a while before they could get to the actual official estimate (like over a week). They also took no interest in taking ownership of their yep page or google information, etc. I get that it isn't for everyone, but it does make the world easier if someone is making sure that information is current. I came away with the distinct feeling that they knew what they were doing and cared a lot about bicycles and bike culture - but I had to pop back in and take it to another bike repair shop that could handle it faster.

Extremely rude. I was trying to buy a bike from one employee when another guy showed up to work and instantly told me to go buy a 100 dollar used bike instead. I guess they want their business to fail.

awesome knowledgeable staff. stopped by with a detailed issue and was able to get a quick on the spot fix.

Customer Beware! I spoke to the owner to get an estimate for the replacement of a rear bike wheel on 1-4-22. He stated it would cost $100 to have the wheel replaced but I needed to bring the entire bike in so he could see if anything else needed adjusted so it may cost a little more but $100 at the least. I brought the bike back with the wheel attached the following day (1-5-22 )and the owner then stated it would cost $150 just to have the rear wheel replaced with no additional work which was significantly more than he stated the day before. The money is not really the issue, it's the deception used on the initial visit and the amount of time spent going back and forth. I actually purchased a new bike from him a few years ago but will definitely find an honest shop for my next purchase.

Ever since I got my bike, this place has been shining in their customer service and product offerings. The staff is friendly and helpful. They accommodate needs and timing. If you need work on your bike, you should stop by this place.

poor quality service. over $400, three trips back to the shop and still have the same problems. won't let me talk, he allready "knew" what was needed before i could even tell him

This place is really not friendly. The owner acts like he's doing you a favor by showing you a bicycle so instead I went down the street and bought a bike and spent my money elsewhere and I would Tell you to do the same not good business

Great service both times I went there. They are honest!! So honest and easy and friendly to work with. Appreciate their service both time!

Not sure why or what the negative reviews on this bike shop are but to negate that I'm here to tell y'all that this place is great! The owner always gives me helpful information, doesn't try to sell me anything I don't need and treats me with respect. What more can you ask for? Seriously nice guy that owns it AND it's a small business w character that supports St Pete's cyclists. I'm a repeat customer and will always recommend.

Unprofessional and lazy. I took my bike in on Thursday to be fixed. Told them exactly what the problem was, (wanted to buy a wheel and have a cassette and chain installed) handed him the cassette that I purchased online (as nobody carries it) and he said okay leave it here and we'll call you when it's ready. This is at 11am Fast forward to 5pm, I get a call "Oh sorry, we don't have any wheels that are compatible with your cassette" That's something they could have checked before I even left the first time but now you're not telling me till 5? I can't even get to another bike store at that point they're all about to close. Fast forward to Saturday, I go to collect the bike (he's outside asks me to wait here) and he comes back with the bike, says have a nice day and starts to walk off. He never gave me back the wheel I was wanting to replace (the wheel was broken but it had a brand new 50 dollar tire on it with a working inner tube. So I'm like "dude, I'm a need the wheel back too" he says okay wait right here. 5 mins go by, I'm tired of waiting so I go inside to retrieve it and the same guy who told me one sec he'd grab it for me? He's working on another customer's bike. I was like "dude, I'm a need my tire so we can leave" and he finally gives it to me like wtf

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Trek Verve+ 2 Review

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• Trek Reviews
• City Electric Bike Reviews
• Commuting Electric Bike Reviews
• Hybrid Electric Bike Reviews
• Mid-Drive Electric Bike Reviews
• One of Trek's most popular and affordable electric bike models, loaded with accessories and high-quality components, available in a wide range of frame types, styles, and colors, backed by a fantastic warranty, and supported by a large network of dealers and repair shops
• An excellent city and commuting Ebike thanks to full plastic fenders, integrated always-on lights, and a rear rack, the Bosch Active Line motor provides smooth and quiet power that pairs well with the top-tier Shimano Alivio groupset and efficient Bontrager H5 tires
• An impressively comfortable ride thanks to many small factors such as the suspension seatpost, large 700x45c tires that provide a lower attack angle and more float, ergonomic locking grips, vibration-dampening solid steel fork, and a wide and comfortable saddle
• The Active Line is the least powerful of Bosch's motors and caps out at 100 RPM which may not be a good fit for less active riders, the Purion display has only basic features and is not removable, some standard functions such as walk mode are disabled and there are no USB Type-A charging ports

Video Review

Introduction

Body position:, suggested use:, electric bike class:, learn more about ebike classes, availability:, model year:, bicycle details, total weight:, battery weight:, motor weight:, frame material:, frame sizes:, geometry measurements:, frame types:, frame colors:, frame fork details:, frame rear details:, attachment points:, gearing details:, shifter details:, brake details:, seat post length:, seat post diameter:, tire brand:, wheel sizes:, tire details:, tube details:, accessories:, electronic details, motor brand:, motor type:, learn more about ebike motors, motor nominal output:, motor peak output:, motor torque:, battery brand:, battery voltage:, battery amp hours:, battery watt hours:, battery chemistry:, charge time:, estimated min range:, estimated max range:, display type:, display accessories:, drive mode:, written review.

To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This in-depth review was sponsored by Trek. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Trek products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below and the Trek electric bike forums .

Observations:

• NOTICE: in the comments below, Ron posted “My local Trek dealer told me that the latest Verve+2’s are now shipping with narrow wide chainrings as a fix to the derailing problem. They said if you buy one in stock which doesn’t have the fix they will retrofit.” so that’s great to hear! Thanks Ron :D
• Trek is one of the “Big Three” bicycle manufacturers along with Giant and Specialized. Trek started out in 1975 making hand-brazed steel frames, and since then they have grown into a global powerhouse in the cycling industry with distributors in 90 different countries, truly impressive in my opinion!
• The original Verve+ was Trek’s most affordable electric bike model in 2018 and the Verve+ 2 still holds that title today, although it’s worth noting that this only includes Ebikes bearing the Trek name brand. Trek also owns Electra which is comprised of even more affordably priced models, but they typically don’t have the premium components and features that we see on Trek branded Ebikes
• You will see the Bontrager name on a lot of components in this review, Bontrager is Trek’s in-house component brand and is therefore common on many of Trek’s electric bikes
• Available in four frame sizes, three color options, and the choice of a high-step or a step-through frame style, supported by a huge network of dealers which allows for fitting and test rides as well as maintenance support, and covered by an outstanding warranty with two years of comprehensive coverage and lifetime coverage for the frame and fork. This warranty is an upgrade and new for Trek in 2020, in previous years the warranty only covered the frame and fork for five years
• Fully loaded with great accessories such as integrated lights, fenders, a rear rack, and even a suspension seatpost, the Verve+ 2 is an excellent Ebike for commuting and city use
• The rack is a welcome addition and I love that it’s now a standard accessory, whereas on the original Verve+ it was an optional accessory that cost an additional $45. The rack uses standard-gauge tubing and also has the standard 25kg/52lb weight limit and will work great for hanging bags or panniers
• The integrated lights have also improved in quality compared to the Verve+, here we have a headlight from Hermans that is brighter with side cutouts for more side visibility, as well as being mounted to the fork so it will turn with the handlebars and better illuminate the road ahead. The new taillight is the SOLO by Spanninga and is carrier-mounted on the rear rack, it’s a solid rear light although I do miss the flashing pattern of the fender-mounted taillight on the Verve+
• The fenders still have the same great full coverage with a toe-strike guard on the front and the material used has changed from aluminum alloy to plastic. All fender types have tradeoffs, the upside with plastic is that they weigh less and a bit more resilient and less likely to get bent or dinged, and you don’t have to worry about them getting scratched and rusting
• The suspension seatpost only has about 30mm of travel but it works wonders for the ride comfort, this is coil suspension and it is adjustable for preload so you can tighten it up a bit if you are a larger rider. The seatpost has also gotten a bit larger with a diameter of 31.6mm, this provides a bit more strength and sturdiness compared to the 27.2mm seatpost of the Verve+
• Other positive ride comfort factors include the Bontrager Boulevard saddle, a fairly wide saddle with a ventilation gap in the center, I found this saddle very comfortable even on some longer rides and I also appreciate the locking ergonomic grips (also from Bontrager). The fork has also changed from alloy to solid steel which adds some vibration dampening qualities, the large diameter and greater width of the 700x45c tires means a lower attack angle for smoothing out bumps as well as extra air cushion… There’s a lot of small comfort-oriented details here, and together they make the Verve+ 2 a surprisingly comfortable bike considering the minimal suspension
• Stopping power is solid thanks to the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, two-finger levers are extremely easy to actuate, and there are dual-piston calipers and 160mm rotors in both the front and rear. In addition to being much easier to actuate and having no delay, hydraulic brakes also require less regular maintenance than mechanical brakes
• We still have the same derailleur here with the Shimano Alivio, this is one of Shimano’s top-tier derailleurs and it performs flawlessly as expected. This is a 1×9 setup with a range of 11-36 on the rear cassette, a fairly large range that works great for city riding. I love that Trek has added a full plastic chain guard to protect the chain itself as well as protecting the rider’s pant legs, this is a nice upgrade from the original Verve+ that had only an alloy bash guard
• The tires are the same excellent Bontrager H5s which have a hybrid tread pattern that is smooth and efficient in the middle, and larger and more grippy on the edges for better traction and control while turning. These tires also have Hardcase Ultimate puncture protection which is some of the best you can get, definitely a welcome feature in places like Colorado where goat-heads are always a cycling hazard
• The electrical system is another area where nothing has changed since the Verve+, we’ve still got the Bosch Active Line mid-drive motor powered by a PowerPack 400 and controlled by the Purion display. This combo works well on the Verve+ 2 which is geared for riders who like to be a bit more active not get as much help from the motor, the motor itself is very quiet and you can get 80 or more miles of range riding in Eco, great for commuters who don’t want to have to charge the battery at work before riding home. The Purion is an older display from Bosch, it’s their smallest display with basic features and a grayscale LCD that is backlit and very easy to see in any lighting as well as swiveling so that you can avoid glare
• The quill stem is also Blendr compatible, Blendr is a mounting platform that allows you to mount all manner of accessories to the top and/or bottom of the stem such as GPS units, phone mounts, cycle computers, additional lights, and much more
• The included kickstand is adjustable for length without needing tools, and I appreciate that it is rear-mounted which prevents “pedal lock” which occurs when the left crank arm collides and locks with a mid-mounted kickstand, being mounted in the rear also provides more stability especially when carrying cargo on the rear rack
• Torque-sensing motors require you to put more force against the pedals in order to receive more help from the motor, and the Bosch Active Line only provides assistance up to a max pedal cadence of 100 RPM. This may sound like a lot but it’s actually pretty easy to pass this limit if you ride fast while in a lower gear, so this is not an ideal setup for riders with knee sensitivity who prefer to use a lower gear and cycle the cranks at a higher cadence with less force
• There are some features of the Purion display that Trek disables, one of which is the Walk Mode. There is a dedicated button for walk mode on the bottom of the display but it doesn’t do anything on the Verve+ 2 or on any of Trek’s Ebikes, I’m not sure what the exact reason for this might be but it seems related to the wide range of local laws in different areas for Ebikes, and in some areas walk mode could be interpreted as a sort of a throttle. Another disabled function is the ability to turn the lights off, they are on by default and the normal method of holding down the + button on the Purion display does not turn them off. Presumably, this is a safety feature since lights make you more visible as a rider in the daytime, but it can be frustrating if you want to turn them off to conserve battery or for any other reason, keep in mind that the Active Line motor is very efficient so there is at least plenty of battery to spare for the lights
• As I mentioned earlier all fender types have their tradeoffs and the downside for plastic fenders is that they tend to rattle more than metal fenders, fortunately for the Verve+ 2 they are securely mounted and I didn’t notice any rattling during any of my test rides
• There is no reflective striping on the sidewalls of the tires, I would love to see this since it greatly improves side visibility which is important for safety, I do appreciate that the Hermans integrated headlight has nice big side cut-outs to help with that side visibility
• The Verve+ 2 really is amazingly comfortable when you consider that the only suspension is in the seatpost, but the lack of front suspension may not work for riders that have hand or wrist sensitivity, for such riders I recommend a suspension stem to help reduce jarring bumps and vibrations
• One feature missing here is the ability to charge additional electronic devices, there are no USB Type-A ports on the display or the battery itself. There is a micro-USB port on the Purion display, but this is only for diagnostics and firmware updates and doesn’t work for charging other devices
• I like the new solid steel fork because it is stronger and has vibration dampening qualities, but be aware that steel is vulnerable to getting scratched or dinged and then rusting, if yours gets damaged you can cover the area with clear tape as a temporary fix until you are able to add touch-up paint. Fortunately, since Trek dealers are plentiful they will be able to help you out with the right shade of touch-up paint
• While I personally prefer the Purion display because it’s minimalist and out of the way, it is lacking in features and not removable which leaves it exposed to weather and physical damage when parked at a bike rack, whereas Bosch’s other displays (Intuvia and Kiox) are removable and more feature-rich. It is possible to have a shop upgrade your Ebike to a more powerful display, in addition, Bosch also has a new Smartphone Hub that allows you to use your smartphone as a control display with a lot of cool features such as navigation and reminders for maintenance tasks

Useful Resources:

• Official Trek Website
• Bosch Purion Ebike Display Settings
• EBR Shop Directory to find a Trek dealer near you for fitting and test rides
• Head-to-Head Comparison of the Verve+ 2 with the original Verve+
• Bosch eBike Systems Motor Comparison

Review Updated On

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Comments (56) YouTube Comments

I’ve been commuting 20+ miles/day with this ebike since September 2019. Great overall impression. My only major complaint is the rear fender. Despite the description it is not a full fender. On rainy days the rear end of the frame and my panniers and back are coated in wet road sludge. The front headlight is passable but not great so I added a handlebar light. Otherwise this has been a great commuter ebike.

Hmm, thanks for that feedback, Chris! Is the issue with the rear fender that it’s not long enough or not wide enough on the sides? Trek sells the Bontrager accessories, and they have some awesome little square lights… is that what you got for the handlebar, or something else? I like Blackburn a lot too ;)

Hi Court, the fender is plenty wide. The fender isn’t long enough to cover spray coming off back of the tire. The Bontrager fenders on my road bike are clearly the right length and I’ve never had this issue with them. The bike shop said they’d replace the fenders with full Bontragers, for the cost of parts and labor. Hey Trek: having to essentially buy two sets of fenders to get the right one is not my idea of an honest business model. The handlebar light is a 2014 Cygolite. Plenty bright and it still gets me through two full commutes, or about 3.5 hours.

Are you guys going to be reviewing the Trek Alliant 7 for 2020? I spoke with Trek USA, and they indicated any day now for availability. The photo they sent me looks similar to a combination Verve-Alliant and Dual Sport.

The description they sent shows it is Class 3 as well. Here’s the photo .

Hmm, that looks very interesting. Thanks for the feedback, Rick! Yeah, I hope to cover many more Trek models in 2020. The Alliant 7 looks great with fenders, rack, lights, AND suspension fork! It looks almost like a cruiser style ebike with that taller sweeping top tube.

Thanks for response: I Have learned an enormous amount from Your YouTube channel and written reviews, which I can appreciate more than most might. I am Involved in producing video content for two totally not-related to E-Bikes channels. I doubt there are many who understand all the leg work Involved just to get to the point of making the Video review, plus you are traveling all over to boot.

Not only are the reviews detailed and the information easy to absorb, you seem to have a great future in front and behind the camera. Your success is well deserved!

Thanks again

MORE DETAILS Alliant +7 Sport https://electricbikereview.website/forums/threads/trek-alliant-7-sport-with-6-detailed-colored-pictures-class-3.31726/

David Lipscomb

I’ve had the Verve+ 2 for 3+ months and overall I love it. I ride it to work, roughly 15 miles RT. It’s smooth and comfortable, except on the bumpiest parts of the capital crescent trail along the Potomac in DC– when front suspension really would be nice. The battery range is excellent, and I can easily go 3 days (so roughly 45 miles) without charging, even when using a fair amount of “turbo” (full) power. Turbo works very well on hills — making an easy ride out of the otherwise long slog uphill from DC into Montgomery County on the CCT. Lights are great, battery is easy to unlock and carry, step-thru design is excellent, and the weight is not too bad (given that it’s an ebike).

One issue: **derailing**. The chain has derailed four times, and each time the chain had slipped off the front chainring. It was easy to slip it back on the first three times (just turn the bike upside down and glide it back on). But the last time I had to bring it to the shop because it got jammed (not a fun walk home). Trek is aware of the issue and I’m hoping they come up with a fix. My LBS says that Trek will be replacing the front chainring with a “narrow-wide” chainring, which apparently is something that many mountain bikes use. Let’s hope it works.

Tyson Roehrkasse

Hey David, thanks for the great comment! I’m glad to hear you are enjoying your Verve+ 2, although that is definitely disappointing to hear about the chain derailing issue. I like that they upgraded to a full plastic guard, but unfortunately, that doesn’t help to keep the chain in place (as you have discovered). Having a narrow-wide chainring will definitely help with that, as would having a chain guide… but there may not be room for a guide underneath that plastic cover.

Can confirm the chain derailing & jamming problem. It’s happened twice to me. The first time was on the road and somehow wrenched it free. Fortunately the second time I was at home and able to loosen the chain guard enough to get in and dislodge the well and truly stuck chain.

Thanks for the feedback here, Chris! It really helps to draw attention to the issue and I hope they resolve this in future models.

My local Trek dealer told me that the latest Verve+2’s are now shipping with narrow wide chainrings as a fix to the derailing problem. They said if you buy one in stock which doesn’t have the fix they will retrofit.

Wow! Sweet feedback here, Ron. Thank you so much! I’ll add a note to the review :)

Ron, did the new narrow wide chain stop the chain from coming off? I a buying one of these for the wife, picking it up on Thursday. I called Trek, they said the bike I am buying shipped April 14, 2020 to the dealer I am buying from. Do you think the new chain ring is in this bike?

Nick-from-Napa

Very good review Court. Your site helped immensely in helping me choosing an ebike. I’m enjoying my Trek Verve+2 Low-step very much. I have put 600 miles on it, mostly riding 10 or 12-mile ‘to and fro’ distances. I have done a few 30-mile rides, which compared to using a regular bike, was pretty fast and easy.

Like you, I like the stock saddle, so I didn’t change anything out. I bought Jannd shopping panniers, and do my weekly grocery shopping without having to emit anymore CO2. I really do appreciate the step-through frame, because I have pretty tight hips. I also like the mid-motor placement, the ‘always on’ lights, and the upright handlebars. Oh, and the Magenta color almost matches my Mazda 3. Btw, there *is* a walk assist mode. You just have to ask the Trek LBS to enable it (but I’ve only used it once). Also, I get a free checkup/tuneup every 300-miles by the Trek LBS for one year. I had the chain derailing problem once, but since the last checkup, no problems.

Essentially, I use the Eco assist mode (level 1 out of 4) for most of my riding. The assist is very subtle. In that mode, I’ll use the gear-shifter a little more often. I do ride in Tour mode (level 2 out of 4), either when I’m riding with a strong wind in my face or when a decent incline is present. The extra boost is wonderful. When I come to a sizable incline, I’ll get into the Sport or Turbo modes (3 or 4 out of 4). I’ll also use it when I’m on some dirt trails. That boost is great too. Once, some young dude tried drafting behind me. Switching to turbo, this 60+ year old left him in the dust. Combined with all these modes, I’ve been getting about 40-46 miles per charge. Very satisfied. Thanks again. Happy Trails!

Hey Nick, I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the bike… and EBR! Thanks for your wonderful comment :)

Hey Court are you guys going to review this Newest Verve +3 https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/hybrid-bikes/electric-hybrid-bikes/verve/verve-3/p/30979/?colorCode=black

Yes, that’s the plan! Not sure when we’ll get to it as we want to cover some of their other models before circling back to the Verve :)

I just bought the lowstep model. The dealer did indeed swap the chainring for a narrow-wide Wolf Tooth brand model. Love the bike so far – so smooth and responsive! Thank you guys!

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback, Ron. I hope you get lots of fun rides this Spring! Sounds like you’ve got a good dealer there :)

We are in the process of purchasing 2 of the Verve + 2, regular and low step. The dealer activated the walk mode and we had the choice of having the lights on all the time, or have it where we can turn them on, we prefer on, all of the time. My wife and I are older, so I hope Covid-19 doesn’t disrupt our riding adventures!

Wonderful to hear the dealer was able to customize that stuff for you – definitely one of the perks of getting a Trek! Wishing you safe and happy rides, hope you check back here, later on, to let us know how you’re liking the bikes :)

I’m reaching out because you indicated you are an “older” rider. I have been researching and test riding several low step through styles and before i make a decision, i need to know that the bike is safe. I am 5’1” and 100lbs so are the tires wide to ofer more stability? anything you can provide would be so help. thank you kindly, jean

Sorry about not replying. I haven’t been to this site for awhile. You probably have bought your bike. We have over 350 miles on the bikes and they work well on pavement and gravel bike trails. They are very stable. My wife weighs 130 lbs and is 5′ 4″ tall. She is registering about 95 miles on the Eco mode when we ride. I weigh about 230 lbs and am 5′ 10″ tall. I register about 75 miles on Eco mode. Just got back from a midweek camp trip, and rode back to back 33 mile day and 32 mile day. We could never do that on standard bikes. The great thing about the Bike, is the “quality over quantity” of the ride is what makes it so fun.

Great review. I have a question about weight of this bike. It would be a great commuter but I’m trying to figure out where its weight is coming from. The bike is 52.2lbs. When I look at the spec of the non-e bike version it is 29.2 lbs. (Verve 2 disc). The battery and motor combine to 11.8 lbs. There’s 11.3 lbs of extra weight which seems unaccounted for. I’m not looking for carbon race bike weights but there seems to be extra weight. 50lbs doesn’t make sense if it could have been 40 lbs.

Hi Cal, great question!

I believe the frame is bigger and stronger to account for the placement of the motor, as well as being able to handle the extra stress from being an Ebike. Looking at pictures of the non-electric Verve it looks like the frame is quite a bit more narrow – especially the downtube where the battery is mounted. The electric version also has a lot of extra frame around the bottom bracket area to incorporate the motor.

The tires on the electric version also come with Hardcase Ultimate protection and double the thread count at 60TPI. I didn’t go through all the components, but I’d wager that there’s a few more on the electric version that are more durable components (that will weigh more).

Lastly, the bike I used for my review was an XL frame. If you’re going for a smaller frame size, that will definitely save some weight!

I posted an earlier comment but I just got off the phone with Trek CS. I am picking up a Verve 2+ low step for the wife this week. With an April 2020 ship date to my dealer, they could not tell me whether any fixes were installed for the chain slippage. I explained that forum members say that I need a replacement chain ring to be a narrow wide chain ring, however, the CS person said I need a “Chain Guide”. I was wondering what experiences others have. My wife is going to be 70 and we are not close to the dealer to haul the bike back so I do not want to take delivery until I am satisfied that the chain won’t come off. Thanks.

Hi Bill! This is Court, I am not the one who reviewed this ebike in the video… but I am very familiar with Trek electric bicycles. I really don’t think that the chain is going to fall off if you and your wife are mostly riding on streets and sidewalks. The metal support arms that hold the plastic chain cover act as a guide, and there isn’t much clearance on either side of the chainring for the Bosch Active Line motors with this setup. Yes, a narrow-wide chainring would help with retention, and that is why many full suspension mountain bikes use them. However, 90%+ city ebikes that I cover do not use them. Same thing with chain guides, it’s nice to have, but they opted for a chain cover to keep your pants or dress ends clean here. I really think you’ll be just fine, and it’s probably going to be difficult to find a NW chainring or a chain guide that will work with this ebike without removing the chain cover. I’d trust that this ebike will be just fine in almost all use cases that it was designed for. Even if you did go off-road on a very bumpy section, it should hold up just fine. Trek dealers should be able to help if there ever was a drop or chain break, and that’s part of what you pay for with these products, a great network of friendly dealers ;) good luck!

Thanks Court, that makes me feel a lot better. There are a few owners who did get the NW chainring, interesting to see if working OK, but I guess I agree with your assessment, we should be OK. My wife is the rider of the bike, and she only goes on streets and paved trails. Thanks again!

I wish I had found this site a year ago when I bought my Verve +2; great info to be learned here overall on this model but many other bikes as well. Personally, I have had two separate chain issues while riding on flat city streets/sidewalks or flat asphalt/cinder bike paths.

• I bought my Verve +2 at the end of July 2020 & rode the bike 250 miles within two months. The chain came off the front sprocket three times. My dealer encouraged me to ride slower and in Eco or off mode until the recall to fix this came to Ohio. I had another 250 miles by mid-Nov when the chain came off for fourth/final time. The recall was installed in mi-Dec. In the first two months of 2021, I have ridden an additional 750 miles proving that particular chain issue was resolved.
• In mid January, having only ridden 575 miles total on the bike, I was presented with a different chain issue. The chain started to skip in 9th gear regardless of the pedal assist level. I called my home store and after sharing with the store manager the recall was performed I was advised the chain may need to be replaced. He continued saying Trek didn’t have any chains available anywhere across the country and it was ok to keep riding until it arrived. By the time I arrived back in Ohio in early March I had more than 1200 miles total on the bike. Neither 8th & 9th gears were available at any pedal assist level. Trek Supply Chain still was unable to identify a single chain in the country for my bike. Additionally, when they inspected my bike for a tune-up; they advised me that my rear cassette was had pencil point gear teeth and needed to be replaced. They attributed the damage to the elongated chain. They have now had my bike for nearly four weeks and today at the end of March, still no chain in their Supply Chain network. My question to this forum is: was this chain the odd data point (poor material properties on the batch level) or do I really need to replace my chain every 500 or so miles due to a faulty chain design (inadequate material specification)?

An additional point I neglected to include on my previous point. I do recognize the global supply chain for the biking sector as well as nearly every hard good supplier has been disrupted. My previous post may have implied a short-sided or an entitled perspective from me. That is far from the truth. I only wanted to share my observations and learnings I had experienced.

Thanks again for this opportunity to learn.

UPDATE: I wanted to update my post. I spoke to the bike dealer today for the Verve +2 Lowstep. The bike we are picking up tomorrow has the narrow wide chainring already installed from the factory. I found out that this particular unit was shipped to the store in April 2020. I feel much better about that. Thanks to all that responded.

Robert de Leon

I have the Trek Verve+ 2 and just recently had the chain come off and it got stuck – left me stranded 6 miles from home. Once I got home I was able to get it off and back on the chain ring but now it skips. That night I started doing research on this issue and luckily found this thread. I have since called TREK and as previously stated, are sending dealers the necessary upgrades to address this issue.

As of today, the Trek G3 Motor Mount which was shared during my chat with TREK, is currently not available and won’t be until mid-late October. One of the issues I have presently is that the chain skips, bad! This is something I did not experience prior to the chain coming off and getting stuck. Does anyone have any suggestions and / or recommendations to get the bike going again?

Thank you. Robert

If your chain is skipping, especially on the smaller sprocket gears on back wheel, it might be because the chain got bent sideways. It can happen if the chain comes off track at the chainring, it can put a side kink or bend in your chain. To fix it, I usually place bike upside down onto handle bar and seat, then crank the pedals, watch chain go past rear shifter, and look for where a kink or bend in the chain is located. Once I find the suspected bent links in the chain, I use two pairs of pliers to wiggle the two links to loosen them up. Use back and forth, and side to side motions with pliers. You should be able to get more use from this chain now. Of course, you can also get a new chain to solve the problem.

HI Zolt! Thanks for sharing these insights and your methodology for a fix. This is actually new to me, I always thought that a skipping chain was due to the derailleur being bent, or one of the rear sprockets having a tooth that is a little bent. Your explanation makes sense, and the chain links are probably much easier to bend than the sprockets. Great feedback :)

We’ve got some serious hills in this area – Asheville NC – and I’m wondering if a 250 watt motor is enough. I definitely like to peddle. Any thoughts?

Hi Lou! Yes, this is a confusing topic because there is more to it than just the nominal watt rating. Bosch makes a line of five motors right now, and they are all rated at “250 watts” but the Active Line is their weakest, with low pedal RPM support. Since this is a mid-drive motor system, it can be surprisingly effective if you pedal using a low gear. If you’re okay pedaling and are going to be on mostly flat, paved, mild neighborhood conditions… it is probably enough. I personally prefer the Active Line Plus or Performance Line motors because they provide more torque and “zip” but in general, all Bosch motors are very good and capable if you shift gears thoughtfully or just maintain some speed going into a climb :)

I have a question: Can the motor of this bike be upgraded to, say, a Bosch Performance Line later?

I just bought my trek verve+ 2 step through electric bike and I am super excited. I appreciated your review. I wonder about the water bottle placement though. I see two small bump outs in your review and yet mine doesn’t have that. I went to Treks website and they don’t show it either. Perhaps it’s just not on the step through bike?

Hi Sarah, you are correct that some versions of the Verve+ 2 don’t come with the bottle cage bosses. I’m not sure which ones have it and don’t, but I think it was the two smaller sizes of the step-through version that don’t. There are still bottle cages that can mount without the bosses but they may not secure as well or require some adhesive to stay in place.

You can use the walk mode… you first have to hit the walk button then you have to hold the + button and it will work. No need to adjust anything. Lights on are a stock setting and can be changed by any Bosch Certified Service center. Very easy change.

Thanks for the clarification, Charlie! I think you’re correct… though I have seen some older Trek models that had walk mode disabled by default, maybe we missed the detail on this review or just got it wrong. Being able to get a software update from the local shop is awesome, and get their help learning how to use the bike systems better. Cheers!

Have you heard of any complaints around the different modes? I’m experiencing with my bike that Eco and Touring give good assistance, but the Sport and Turbo mode gives minimal (if any) additional power. I’ve been told its because my RPM’s aren’t high enough, but I don’t agree as I’m getting sufficient power from the other settings.

Also, the chain derailing is an issue on mine also. I ended up taking the plastic guard off because I couldn’t get the chain out and had to push it uphill for 2 miles to get it home.

Hi Dave! This is Court replying to you and I am not the one who filmed this review (Tyson was). I have experienced the Active Line Cruise motor (most basic from Bosch) and agree that there seems to be minimal assistance increase from the lower to higher levels. The torque rating is lower than the other Bosch mid-motors (up to 40nm max). In my experience, pedal RPM is a small part of what increases motor output, pedal force seems to be the bigger driver. I don’t think there is something wrong with the motor, it’s just meant for lighter neighborhood use and is not as dynamic as the Active Line Plus or Performance motors that provide higher pedal rate support (105 and 120 RPM vs. just 100 RPM for your motor) and up to 50nm or 65nm and then 85nm for the Performance Line CX, Cargo, and Speed. That’s a very big difference. Your motor is quieter, uses less energy, and weighs a bit less, but it offers more limited output in my experience. I hope this helps!

TonyCarpinelli

Can anyone confirm that the Verve +2 chain coming off issue is now fixed. I test rode this bike last week and could hear the chain rattling around a concerning amount and then started reading reviews and see that it (was) or is still an issue.

Can anyone comment how the bike performed on light dirt trails since it does not have front suspension. I am really wanting this bike but have a few concerns.

Hi Tony, for the chainring you would need to make sure it has the narrow-wide chainring. You could ask one of the reps at the shop, or visually inspect it yourself – the teeth should alternate in size narrow-wide-narrow-wide (and so on). If the bike doesn’t already have the right chainring the shop should swap it at no cost to you.

I think it would do well on light dirt trails, but that really depends on personal preference and comfort level. I normally ride a road bike with no suspension at all, so bikes like the Verve+ 2 feel very comfy to me, what with the bigger tires and suspension seatpost.

I bought my 2021 Verve 2 in Sept 2021. First off, I LOVE the bike, I love the seat, the suspension seatpost, the adjustable height handlebar post, and the assist is great, it surprises other riders and motorists as well. I commute 20 miles plus each day. I probably have well over 3,000 miles on it.

Now for the ugly: I had regular and constant derailing issues. Trek put in a guide, which kept the chain from continuing to get wedged between motor and sprocket which leaves me stranded because the chain guide prevents me from pulling the chain back out. Then the only derails I had would fall on the outside of the sprocket, which are easy to get back onto the chainring. Then I purchased a narrow wide chainring from the local trek dealer and had them install it and a new chain and a new cassette (I ride lots of miles and chain and rear cassette were worn). ZERO derailing issues since.

Next, I am a fairly big guy and I’m certain my pannier and I at times will exceed the 300lb design load for my bike. Combine that with the horrible, cracked up roads, and this bike takes a bit of abuse, which is certainly not Trek’s issue.

I have never popped a spoke on a bike before, so when I popped my first spoke, I did not know what it was, and when the second spoke on the same wheel popped, the bike was unrideable! Ended up the wheel had to be trashed because I had cracked it. I bought 2 new bontrager (Trek) wheels so I would have spares. I popped spokes on both of them just 2 weeks ago! I have a third spare that I pulled off of my other 700c bike that is fairing much better. I think the bontrager wheels have alloy spokes and they have been popping right at the nipples.

The wheel from my other bike is a cheaper wheel that has stainless steel spokes, and it seems to be holding up much better.

I see the new Treks coming in and they appear to have the wider, stouter wheel design. I will be working with the dealer to see if those wheels can be retrofit to my Verve 2.

Again, I love my Verve 2!

Great feedback James! It sounds like you have a good attitude and are finding solutions. The tip about switching to a narrow-wide chainring is awesome, so glad to hear that helped your chain stay on track. I’ve experienced chain drops many times when reviewing ebikes and have become a big fan of guides and the NW setup.

Hopefully the new wheelset will resolve your spoke issues. I’ve heard about spoke loosening and breaking on some bikes based on the weight being carried or the use (like off-road or the rough roads you described). Thanks again for sharing :)

Patrick O'Brien

I LOVE my new Verve+2! Don’t know how it compares to other ebikes but compared to my quality 24 gear hybrid, the Trek is a joy to ride. Only complaint is the fact that it takes longer to get users manuals online from Trek than it takes to learn how to ride a bike. Thought Trek could do much better with manuals given the quality of their bikes.

Hmm, hopefully they make the manuals easier to find in the future! I’ve been able to get help from the local Trek store when issues came up, which is nice. Glad you’re loving the bike itself :D

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